Norma Jean (Edwards) Richardson

Norma Edwards Richardson, age 90 of Sparta, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025 at her residence.   She was born in Iredell County to the late Terrell Edwards and Vera Wagoner Edwards Reed.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas O. Richardson, Sr. and son Thomas O. (Tommy) Richardson, Jr.; sister Patricia Miller and stepfather J.B. Reed.

Norma was a lifelong resident of Sparta and Alleghany County who loved her family, friends, community and a fun round of golf.  She graduated from Sparta High School and Appalachian State Teachers College.  Norma was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and also did volunteer work for a number of local charities and foundations.   She is survived by one daughter, Debbie of Newport News VA; granddaughter Tiffany Curulewski (Mike) and great-grandchildren Madeline and Daniel (Manhattan, IL), one special niece Beth Meade (Todd) of State Road, NC; brother-in-law Max Armentrout (Judy) of Sparta; sister-in-law Bett Gabriel of Rutherfordton, NC; nephew Chris Gabriel of Charlotte and daughter in law Shirley Richardson of Sparta.  Extended family and friends also survive.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Norma’s caregivers and to Medi Home Hospice for their constant care and support.    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Sparta NC (202 S. Main Street, PO Box 668, Sparta, NC  28675) or to the Alleghany Memorial Hospital Foundation (AMH Foundation, 233 Doctors Street, Sparta, NC 28675).

“Death ends a life, not a relationship”

--Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

May Norma’s relationship with her family, friends and community continue and be honored with her love, wisdom and wit – all of which are never ending in our hearts.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Richardson Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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