Norma Jean Thompson Seward

Norma Jean Thompson Seward, longtime resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025 in Ocean Springs at the age of 89.

Norma Jean Thompson, the daughter of William and Marjorie Stevens Thompson, was born in Chappell, Nebraska on July 21, 1935. She later moved to Estancia Valley, New Mexico, where she spent her childhood. In Estancia, her family owned a Rexall Drug Store and she worked the soda fountain while attending school. She moved to St. Charles, Missouri to attend Lindenwood College.

Her treasured memories include her family's many trips to the Manzano Mountains, New Mexico. When she would talk about her life growing up, she always said she had the best childhood. All the colors and textures of New Mexico, the mountains and the valleys, set the foundation for her becoming a gifted artist with abstract to impressionistic styles.

When she was at the University of New Mexico, she met Joe Seward. In 1957, they were married and their two worlds meshed with Joe a U.S. Air Force pilot and Norma Jean the artist. They saw the world.

While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, she had fond memories of taking floral arranging classes, painting classes, and enjoyed the Japanese culture. Later when stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, she and her family fell in love with the ocean and swimming. It became a part of their lives. After moving to Keesler AFB, from which Joe retired, they continued their love of the ocean with many vacations to Florida.

She was known as Nornie, Normie, or Norma Jean because of her abundance of friends and her gift of making everyone feel welcome. She included everyone. Many have shared stories of moving to a new area and Norma Jean graciously introducing them to a new circle of friends. She was a cheerleader in school and that habit continued as she showed her support for her friends and family because she always wanted the best for everyone.

She spent an abundance of hours in her art studio, with the smell of oil paints, acrylics, and turpentine. It was her sanctuary. She became a wonderful artist whose legacy is the numerous paintings that hang in many homes and public buildings.

Norma Jean was a member of the Ocean Springs Presbyterian church and her Christian faith was a large part of her life. She was a long-time member of the Ocean Springs Art Association and the Art House Co-op Gallery.

The tomboy who loved to climb trees in the Estancia Valley became a devoted wife and mother. Norma Jean nurtured many and will always be remembered for her kindness. One of her sayings was, "Things never stay the same."

You will always be loved, Norma Jean. The sky is your canvas and your landscapes are limitless.

In addition to her parents, Norma Jean was preceded in death by her late husband, Joe Seward Jr., siblings Mary Lou (Robert) Smith, Charles Thompson. She is survived by her children, Joe Seward lll, Cynthia (Daniel) Green, Dixie Seward, Lynn Howard. Beloved dog and cat, Lexie Ann and Pearl Rose.

Funeral Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Norma Jean Thompson Seward.