Norma Jean Shafer's Obituary
Norma Jean Shafer, age 95, of Charleston, IL, formerly of Champaign, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. She was born on May 22, 1930, in Greasy Point near Rardin, IL to Corlis and Livona (Davis) Shafer.
She is survived by her sister, Wanda Pierce of Charleston, IL and sisters-in-law Ann Shafer of Charleston, IL and Connie Shafer of Olney, IL and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Charles (Lila) Shafer, William Shafer and Larry Shafer.
Norma spent her early years on the Cole Farm in Seven Hickory Township and attended Humboldt schools. She graduated from the Humboldt High School Class of 1949, its final graduating class. Following high school, she attended Utterback’s Business College in Mattoon, IL.
After completing her education, Norma lived with Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Young and began working at Bing’s Jewelry Store for Mr. Charles Mory. She later moved to Champaign, IL, where she shared an apartment with friends from Charleston. After her roommates moved on, Norma bought her own home on Sherwood Terrace and worked at Swift/Staley’s/ADM for over 24 years.
Following the death of her father and her mother’s stroke, Norma brought her mother to live with her in Champaign. After her mother’s passing in 1973, Norma returned to Charleston, where she purchased a home on Biggs Drive. She lived there until entering Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Norma was a faithful member at Loxa Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed traveling to California and Washington to visit relatives and kept the family’s genealogy up to date. She enjoyed babysitting children and especially enjoyed trick-or-treaters at Halloween. She was a big Illini fan.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Gary Stephen officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL.
Memorial contributions in Norma’s honor may be made to Loxa Presbyterian Church, 201 N. Loxa Rd., Mattoon, IL 61938.
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