Lisa Norris

Lisa Beth Norris, one of God’s special gifts to this world, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Lisa was born on July 21, 1967 to Delbert and Joyce Norris of Neodesha.  Lisa spent much of her life seeing different doctors and specialists.  She had something that no one could really diagnose until she was 20 years old. That is when she was finally diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

In spite of not knowing the diagnosis, Lisa lived a long and happy life.  Delbert and Joyce made sure that she had the opportunity to travel.  They worked with her on simple tasks, such as picking up a cup, drinking from it, and placing it back on the table that most all of us take for granted.  Lisa loved music, all sports but especially football, “Wheel of Fortune”, and “The Price is Right”.  If she was sad, someone would play “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and that would bring a smile to her face.  Although she stopped speaking at a very young age, she would respond to verbal cues.

Lisa spent most of her life with her parents, with the exception of a few years where she was in a care facility.  At one point, my parents were told she was “end of life” and the Dr. suggested putting her in a nursing home.  My parents decided to bring her home where she not only thrived for many years but also traveled the United States with them.  Before her mom passed away in 2017, Lisa’s parents were able to secure a spot in a home in Neodesha where she received around the clock care. Lisa’s dad would visit on a daily basis and continued to work with Lisa on her skills. Ultimately, her health did decline and she was finally moved to the Neodesha Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mom, Joyce Norris, and two brothers; Ronald Norris and Jason Norris.

Lisa’s life will continue to be cherished by her dad, Delbert Norris; her sister, Laurie Osborne and husband Dan Heffley; her niece Katie Osborne and husband Shemrock Cordova; her nephew, Josh Osborne and his daughter, Lily Osborne; her sister Terresa Roberts; her niece, Stephanie Dempsey and Husband Ryan Dempsey; her niece Erica Birdsong and husband Marcus Birdsong along with great-niece Lydia Birdsong; her nephew Andrew Roberts; her niece, Hannah Roberts; her nephew, Samuel Roberts; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lisa’s mom had written:  I like to think of Lisa as a butterfly. She may be in a cocoon now but someday she will fly!  If you spell butterfly backwards (ylfrettub) you see in the middle Rett.

Lisa will be missed by so many but she is now home in a perfect body flying with the angels in heaven.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Bible Baptist Church in memory of Lisa. The family will greet friends at Loran Fawcett Chapel on Friday, April 14th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Lisa’s Life will be held at the Bible Baptist Church in Neodesha on Saturday, April 15th at 10:00 am with burial immediately following at Neodesha Cemetery.

If you want to read about Lisa’s life, Joyce created a website that tells so much more: https://neodyjo39.tripod.com/pv/lisab.html