Norma Jean Thurman

Norma Jean (Grier) Thurman was born on October 8, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio. She was the fourth child of 5 children born to Ike and Elizabeth (Gilstrap) Grier. She departed this life to be with the Lord on March 8, 2026, at the Select Specialty Hospital Columbus South.

Jeannie (as she was fondly called) was raised in a wonderful and loving family. She was taught the importance of having a relationship with the Lord. She gave her life to Christ at an early age while attending Love Zion Baptist Church.

She was also encouraged to pursue her various interests which included sewing, dancing, cooking and even shooting marbles. She credited her brother David with teaching her how to shoot marbles and she in return taught him how to dance. Jeannie was educated in the Columbus Public School System and was a proud graduate of East High School. She participated in many workshops and seminars while attending school. For many years, Jeannie worked at the TMI plant as a packer and material worker where she met a few lifelong friends.

She met the love of her life, James Thurman, at her sister’s birthday party. It was love at first sight and he walked her home from the party. They were married for over sixty-three years. They enjoyed participating in fashion shows, as well as bowling and taking dance lessons. Jeannie was a seamstress for several years and on many occasions, she sought James’ help when cutting material for sewing projects. James and Jeannie had three sons, Michael, Charlie and Darren and later two more children, Kevin and Catherine, became members of the family.

Jeannie was fun, easy to talk to and she always tried to have an encouraging word for anyone she met. She said God had been too good to her for her to be down in the dumps or sad. She felt God had placed so many beautiful people in her life and it was her duty to thank him by always showing appreciation for the life she had.

Jeannie dearly loved God and her church, Christ Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and became a member shortly after she started attending it. She had quite a few favorite scriptures but Psalm 23 and 27, John 14:1 were her favorites to recite on a regular basis. Jeannie was a wonderful cook and would often volunteer to help in the church kitchen or fellowship hall. She was involved in various ministries, but she loved serving on the Senior Usher Board. She was the overseer of the Usher Board Card Ministry for the past ten years. Even during her illness and several stays at the hospital, she never let it stop her from regularly sending cards out to members or to their loved ones.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Elizabeth (Gilstrap) Grier and son Darren Thurman, brother: David Grier, sisters: Barb Kendricks, Tonie Grier, Donna Parks. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 63 years James Thurman, sons: Kevin (Shirley) Martin, Michael (Tonda) Thurman, and Charles Thurman; daughter, Catherine (Robert) Flewellen, grandchildren: Nyala Jamison, Chatti, Billy and Niecey Kendricks, favorite nephew: Kipp Grier, Robin Ferguson and a host of nieces, nephews and fabulous friends.

Jeannie loved everyone but she believed God loves us best. All you have to do is to trust that he does.