Sylvia Ilene Norman

Sylvia "Granny" Norman went home to Jesus on September 22, 2026, at the age of 98. She was the epitome of a godly woman, loving the Lord and her family with all she had.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Friday, September 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Stinnett. Burial will follow in Stinnett Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. The family will receive guest from 5-7 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers her memory may be honored with a gift to Cody Conaway Memorial Scholarship Fund more information to follow.

Sylvia was born on October 27, 1927, to Tom and Mabel Swopes. She grew up in Reydon, Oklahoma, and married her first love, James Conaway, in June 1946. In 1950, they moved to Stinnett, Texas, where they raised their three boys, Larry, Mac, and Gary. Sylvia was a devoted homemaker until her sons began school, after which she worked for several years as a teacher's aide. After James passed away in April 1970, God blessed Sylvia with love again. She married Wayne Norman in March 1976, and together they shared nearly 49 years before his passing in 2025.

For almost 40 years, Granny and Gramps traveled throughout the country, fished, and hosted countless fish fries for their family. Whether they were at home in Stinnett, staying at their cabin in South Fork, or traveling in their trailer to visit family and friends, they made it a priority to be in church every Sunday.

Granny was an avid fisherman who especially loved pulling up jug lines. She was also adventurous throughout her life. In her 70s, she broke her arm while snow skiing. She loved snowmobiling, walked across the border into Canada, and, at age 85, earned the distinction of being the oldest person to go down the slide at Jump and Jive. For her 90th birthday, she rode to her party on the back of Gary's motorcycle. At her 98th birthday celebration, she was still jitterbugging.

Sylvia was an incredible cook and baker, famous for her brown beans, fried potatoes, hushpuppies and pineapple upside-down cake, that everyone believed she had baked especially for them. She could also sew, crochet, dance, and had an infectious laugh. Granny would do anything for her children and grandchildren and made every one of them feel loved. When people imagined everything, a grandmother should be, Granny was all of those things and more. She was also a gifted writer who composed beautiful poetry. Rather than keeping her work, she gave it to family and friends as an expression of love.

Granny was the queen of hospitality, had a wonderful sense of humor, and rarely appeared without a smile on her face. Her kindness was biblical, her smile lit up every room, and her hugs were simply the best. No one ever had an ugly word to say about Granny, and she never spoke an unkind word about anyone. She led many people to the Lord through both her words and the faithful example of her life. So many people in Stinnett called her Granny that she truly became a grandmother to everyone. She loved everyone and was loved by everyone.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Mabel Swopes; her brothers, Fraley and Jack Swopes; her husbands, James Conaway and Wayne Norman; her grandson, Cody Conaway; and her daughters-in-law, Diana Conaway and Joyce Conaway.

She is survived by her sons, Larry Conaway, Mac Conaway, and Gary Conaway and wife Laura; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind countless relatives, friends, and members of the community who were blessed to call her Granny.

Sylvia spent the final months of her life at Hansford Manor Nursing Home, where she received outstanding and compassionate care. Her family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff for the kindness and love shown to her.

Granny leaves a legacy of faith, family, joy, adventure, and unconditional love. Her life reflected in scripture and her belief in the words of Jesus Christ:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31:25