Norma Loraine Terrell, enjoyed writing, painting
Norma Loraine Terrell, 96, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. She was born Norma Loraine Martin in Woodbury, N.J., to her loving parents, Reita and Stanley Martin.
During her early years, she and her sister Ida Mae were raised in National Park, N.J. A later move was made to Wildwood, N.J., where Norma and Ida Mae finished their schooling, both graduating from Wildwood High School.
Norma became interested in acting and modeling. She studied for the theater, graduating from Leland Powers School in Boston, Mass. As an apprentice, she was fortunate to perform in plays with Gloria Swanson, Dame Mae Whitty and Diana Barrymore. Her interest also led her to modeling. She attended school in New York and graduated as a John Robert Powers Model. Although both careers offered her a future, it was not her destiny.
She met a Marine coming home from World War II and married Curtis Arthur Taylor. They had two children together, Curtis Martin Taylor and Karen Loraine Taylor. Both acting and modeling careers were now over for her, but Norma was very happy in this new role of wife and mother. During this period of her life, Norma became interested in writing poetry and short children's stories. She also became engrossed in painting and leaves a variety of her artistic works.
Life changed again when her husband Curtis Taylor died, leaving her with a trucking company to run. These were hard times, but as Norma frequently remarked, "You do what you have to do.”
Three years later, she met and married another military man, James McClain. After many years of a happy life, he also died, leaving her alone again. Her positive mind had to adjust once more, and she continued her active life, painting and writing, playing bridge, being a member of Cape Henlopen Elks, as well as doing volunteer work for Beebe Hospital.
Four years later, she met and married her third military husband, Capt. Thomas J. Terrell, USMC Ret. It was a very happy, compatible marriage and one that they both thought was destined to be.
Norma was a Christian and a member of Groome United Methodist Church in Lewes. As she goes to be with the Lord, she leaves behind her husband, Capt. Thomas Terrell; her son, Curtis Taylor; her daughter, Karen Taylor; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
When life on earth has ended and happy thoughts bring memories, live them over once again, and remember me.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 31, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where a viewing will begin at 9 a.m. until service time. All are invited to attend the service via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10946915/LTWebcast.
A viewing will also be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Givnish Funeral Home, 1200 US-130, Cinnaminson, N.J., followed by a graveside service at Lakeview Memorial Park, 1300 RT-130N, Cinnaminson, N.J.
Memorial contributions may be made to accentcare.com/community-outreach-foundations.
Visit Mrs.Terrell's Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
