Obituary of Norma Jean Fleisher White

Norma Jean Fleisher White of Roanoke, went to be with Lord and claim her heavenly home on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. She was welcomed into the gates of heaven by her husband Mickey. Norma was born in Franklin, West Virginia in 1939 to Emmett Cleo and Hazel Virginia Fleisher. Norma’s parents and her wonderful stepmother, Norma Fleisher preceded her in death.

Norma is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Hodges and her husband Clay; son, Michael; two grandsons, Michael Eugene (Holly), and Aidan Patrick White sister, Laura Offerman; brother, William Fleisher; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Betty White, and their children, Amy Wentzel (Mickey) and Julie and their families; as well as special cousins; extended family; work families; church families; and her furry kids, Duke and Scottie.

Norma graduated from Franklin High School and went on to further her education by graduating from Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation she began a nursing service career that lasted over 52 years.  Nursing wasn't just a career but Norma's life and love.  She met her beloved Mickey and they married in October of 1960 a marriage that lasted for 58 years until Mickey's passing in 2018. After her marriage to Mickey, the next stage of her life involved a move to Roanoke where she resumed her career at the old Lewis Gale and Jefferson Hospitals. and later, at Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. There she worked as head nurse, in the Emergency Department and as house supervisor, forming many close and lasting friendships with physicians, nursing staff, and support staff.  She especially enjoyed the anual Community Hospital Reunions, and the chance to renew old friendships.  In 2000, Norma accepted her last nursing assignment by moving to Carilion Roanoke Memorial.  There she worked in the pre-anesthesia department where she continued to build her list of lasting friendships. After 52 years of dedicated nursing service, Norma retired from Carilion Health System. She was not only wonderful and caring nurse, but she was an expert at starting IV’s, and mentoring new nurses. Outside of nursing, she was a devoted mother, grandmother and a wonderful pastor’s wife serving the church families of Parish Chapel, Mays Memorial, Mt. Elbert, and Mount Tabor United Methodist Churches. In each congregation she once again developed many long-lasting friendships.

Norma observed those around her, and if an adult, child, or animal was in need, she would work to make sure they had what they needed.

Special thanks to Ellis Senior care for being there during the days to sit with her and to her special caregiver Lynn, who was there on weekends, evenings and nights working tirelessly to ensure Norma’s needs were met, often bringing a special lunch or dinner.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, the SPCA, or a charity of the donors choice.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Decmeber 29, 2022 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by Pastors Doug Sasser and Louis Strickler.  Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Special thanks and love to the pallbearers for carrying mom to her final resting place, Mikey White, Aidan White, Mickey Wentzel, Nathan Wentzel, David Millender, and Alan Hilbert who delayed his Christmas/New Year vacation.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6 :00 to 8:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home.  540-366-0707