Published on September 10, 2025 4:10 pm
Last Updated on September 10, 2025 4:10 pm
Norma Jean (Stodden) Jones, 73, of Effingham, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Norma was born on March 28, 1952, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Francis and Ruth (Greuel) Stodden. She grew up on the family farm in the small community of Green Creek, just north of Effingham. Norma knew the value of hard work from an early age and often reminisced about milking cows, picking blackberries, and baling hay. She was a 1970 graduate of Teutopolis High School and went on to receive her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Lake Land College in 1974. Driven by her passion for caring for others, Norma returned to Olney Central College in 2001 to earn her Registered Nurse degree. Her nursing career spanned 47 years, beginning at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and later including service at the Effingham County Health Department, Lakeland Nursing Home, Heartland Senior Living, and Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. She retired in 2022 due to health complications, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion in the nursing field. Norma was a devoted mother who inspired her four children to pursue careers in the health field. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. She treasured watching them grow and eagerly welcomed their visits. As a sister to 13 siblings and an aunt to many nieces and nephews, Norma was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her sense of humor and contagious smile brought warmth and laughter to all who knew her. In her spare time, she liked to gamble and always took her lucky green purse wherever she went.
She was married to Dale Jones for 30 years, and from that marriage four children survive: daughters, Pam (Joe) Henderson of Camargo, Cheryl (Todd) Apke of Effingham, and Jill (Clint) Knierim of Effingham; and son, Adam Jones of Fairview Heights. Her grandchildren include Bryce Batchelor, Evan Knierim, Ella Knierim, Rowan Knierim, and Teaghan Henderson. She is also survived by her siblings, LaVerne (Jane) Stodden of Aurora, Charles Stodden of Trilla, Leo (Rosario) Stodden of Chicago, Melvin (Sara) Stodden of Sigel, Wayne (Pat) Stodden of Sigel, Mark (Dana) Stodden of Sigel, Joyce Stuckey of Mattoon, Janice (Walt) Townsend of Geff, Doris (John) Wiedman of Effingham, Lorraine (Steve) Mozley of Springfield, and Renee (Joe) Harris of Denton, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Lois (Dean) Debolt and Albert Stodden; and sister-in-law, Connie (Stevens) Stodden.
Norma’s life was defined by her compassion, resilience, and love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.