A graveside service for Norma Millsap, 83, of Ada will be Wednesday at Paoli Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon at Criswell Funeral Home.
Norma Eugenia Millsap (Whitaker) was born on July 13, 1936 in Sulphur, Oklahoma to Norman and Helen (Talley) Whitaker. Norma passed away on Saturday, May 9th at the age of 83 years.
Norma grew up in Pauls Valley where she was very active at Trinity Baptist Church. She loved singing and playing piano and spending time with her family. Norma was the eldest child and is survived by her younger sister, Nancy Lee Whitaker.
Norma graduated from Pauls Valley High School and married Jim Millsap. Norma and Jim attended and graduated from East Central University. Norma held a Bachelor of Music degree in Education with an emphasis in piano. She and Jim settled in Ada and made it their home for the next 65 years. She began teaching private piano lessons in her home in 1965. During her long tenure of music education, she taught hundreds of children and adults. She instilled a love of music and work ethic to all those she touched.
Norma was an active member of the Ada Wednesday Morning Music Club and held many roles including president. She loved the music club and enjoyed planning the season’s performances. She was an avid concert goer and supported the arts in Ada and the surrounding areas.
Norma and Jim were devoted members of the First Baptist church. She taught adult and children Sunday school classes. She loved the fellowship of her ladies Sunday school class. Norma was an animal lover and enjoyed walking her dogs.
Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Jim who passed away in 2001. She is survived by her four children, Mark Millsap (Susan), Matt Millsap, Meredith Schilling (Rick Schilling), and Michael Millsap (Tara); grandchildren, Katie Millsap, Libby Kassinger, Molly Millsap and Grant Millsap. She had one great-grandchild, Christian Millsap-Catron.
The family says those who wish may make memorials to the ECU Foundation in memory of Norma Millsap, c/o East Central University, P. O. Box Y-8, Ada, OK 74820.
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Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
