Norma Jean Carey

Norma Jean Carey (Barton), 84, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas on June 11, 2021.

Norma was born in Emporia on August 27, 1936, the daughter of Loy Monroe Barton and Mildred (Walker) Barton.  She worked for the telephone company in 1957, and also worked as a Certified Nurse Aide, a waitress and cook, various factory positions, and as a desk clerk as well as owning a semi truck.  At the age of 53, she received her GED.

Her love of embroidery earned her ribbons at the Lyon County Fair for pillowcases and table cloths she skillfully decorated.  She crocheted blankets for the grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.  She also enjoyed reading books and going camping with the family at Hartell Lake in Missouri.

Norma would get so excited when she knew her grandkids and other family members were coming to see her, and especially enjoyed hearing from her sister, Vi Hobbs.

Surviving family members include: children, LaWana (Rex) Metcalfe of Emporia, and  Kenneth Loy (Julie) Carey of Plattsburg, MO; four grandkids, Rebecca Gunlock, Jessica Nimmo, Kenneth Robert (Tonya) Carey, and Samuel (Samantha) Carey; nine great-grandkids, including twins Monica and Erica Baker, Tegan Heins, Zachary Benedict, Kimberlyn Gunlock, Kaydence Gunlock, Kennedy Gunlock, Kenneth Owen Carey, Hayden Carey; four great-great-grandkids, Easton Blake, Charli Blake, Mabel Haynes, and Wrenley Beeman; a sister, Viola Hobbs; and many nieces and nephews; half-sister Kim Ashurst of Missouri; sister-in-law, Judy Barton of Texas.

Norma was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Barton, and husband, Sam Carey.

Cremation is planned, with a private memorial service to be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice House of Topeka, and sent in care of the funeral home at PO Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.