The world is a quieter place, a less flavorful place without Norma Jean Stevens, 65, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as she entered her heavenly home on May 24, 2026.

She was born on November 28, 1961 in Tazewell, Virginia to the late Johnny and Nadine Stevens. She was preceded in death by her son, Bobby Joe, granddaughter, Bryleigh Na'Shea, her brothers, Terry and Danny, and sisters, Connie, Bonnie, Wanda, and Barbara.

Her grandchildren knew her as "Nay Nay" and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Her children say she was the first person they would call with good news or when their world was falling apart. She was the heart of the family, known for her kindness, strength, unwavering support, and her gentle, steady presence in the lives of all those who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Norma was a devoted member of New Dimension Deliverance Ministries. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, never missing the opportunity to remind her family that she loved them with her whole heart and was proud of them. If you ever had the privilege of being welcomed into Norma's kitchen, you already knew that she showed love through food, such as her famous tamales, delicious homemade biscuits, and of course the best chicken and dumplings ever made in this world.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Lekeisha Horton and Terri Mendoza (husband Jorge) all of Roanoke Rapids; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Hudson, Isaiah, Yzabella, Winter, and Nevaeh, all of Roanoke Rapids; her sister, Brenda Stevens of Dante, VA; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Joy Newsome.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Norma Jean Stevens will be held on May 29, 2026, beginning with a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. A graveside service will then take place at Crestview Memorial Cemetery, 489 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC with pallbearers, Jacob Vilchis, Joshua Vilchis, Jaime Mendoza, Bobby Stevens, and honorary pallbearer, Gary Hale.