09/28/2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Lou Norris-Johnson, a dedicated and generous woman, who departed this life on September 27, 2025. Born on September 17, 1933, in Elk City, Kansas, Mary Lou was a beacon of love and reliability in her community and within her family. Mary Lou graduated as a Salutatorian with the class of 1951 in Elkhart, Kansas. She was the heart and soul of her family, and her life was a living testament to her favorite scripture, Proverbs 31:25-26: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Mary Lou was the proud owner of a local grocery store before retiring, where her diligent work ethic shone through. She was a lover of the simpler things in life, her hobbies included sewing, knitting, quilting, cooking, baking, and gardening. Mary Lou was an active member of her community, participating in Meals on Wheels, the Texhoma Iris Garden Club, and held the position of Secretary of Missions at the First Baptist Church. She was the oldest member of the Texhoma Church and was deeply involved in Change for Missions and Funeral Dinners and she held the title of Church Hostess, a testament to her generous spirit and dedication to her faith.
Precious memories of making paper dolls and mud pies under the mulberry tree with her sister, filled Mary Lou’s heart with joy. Above all, what mattered most to Mary Lou’s was her church and family.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Catherine Warner, three husbands, Royce Norris, Glenn Kenny, and Chester Johnson. Two daughters-in-laws, Meradith Norris, Teresa Norris and Two brother-in-laws. She is also preceded in death by four special cousins.
She is survived by her three loving sons: Steve Norris, Daniel V. Norris, and Joe Norris and wife Sagirah. Two sisters, JoAnne Haar and Maxine Wallack. ten grandchildren: Stephanie, Brian, Adam, Christopher, Leah, Jenna, Nicholas, Zachary, Jillian, Anastazja. Seven great-grandchildren, Addison, Quinn, Hayes, Miller, Livy, and Linnit. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 1400 South 2nd Street inTexhoma, OK.
Funeral Services to celebrate Mary Lou’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, located at the corner of Fifth and Main Street, Texhoma, Oklahoma, 73949.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Mary Lou’s name to Church Missions of First Baptist Church, Texhoma. All contributions will be accepted by the Funeral Home c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.
In honoring Mary Lou’s memory, we kindly ask you to visit her memorial page. Here, you are encouraged to share your favorite memories of Mary Lou’s and upload any photos you may have of her. These shared memories will serve as a comforting reminder of the loving, dedicated, and generous woman that Mary Lou was.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book, leave an online condolence or upload a favorite photo to her web page at www.hensonnovak.com.