Norma Linda Davis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Norma Torres Davis, 82, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2015. Norma was born in Beaumont, TX on February 16, 1933. She was named after the leading movie star of the day, Norma Shearer. This was a fitting name, as she developed a love of the movies at a very early age, regularly going to the movies twice a week her entire life. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the movie industry was legendary. And true to her namesake, Norma had a flair for style and was glamorous to the end. She never left the house without looking her best. Even during the last stages of cancer, her doctors and others would regularly remark how beautiful she looked and how well-coordinated her outfits were. As a young woman, Norma attended formal dances with her parents. Thus, began another lifelong love, the love of dance. Dancing was an integral part of her life, and for the past 10 years she and her husband Alvin have been active members of the “Let’s Dance” dance club. Additionally, she possessed a creative talent that found expression in various ways throughout her lifetime. Whether by award-winning flower arrangements with the local garden club, intricately decorated hats for the Red Hat Society contests, or imaginative costumes for the themed dances at the dance club, Norma gave her best effort. Family and friends who knew her well eagerly anticipated her next work of art. Norma met her future husband Alvin in 1951 riding on the bus to Lamar Tech (now Lamar University), where they were both enrolled for college. She graduated in 1953 with a degree in secretarial sciences and obtained employment as bookkeeper at the First National Bank in Beaumont. They were married June 20, 1953. In 1956, she and her husband were instrumental in forming the popular dance club for young married couples, Belles ‘n Beaux. After relocating to Houston, they formed the Houston club in 1961. They scheduled the dances on different week-ends in order to attend both. Initially a stay-at-home mom, Norma served as Brownie Leader and then Girl Scout Leader and was heavily involved in homeroom mother activities. Her annual spook house attraction was always the big money maker for the school carnival. From 1969 to 1971, Norma was an Avon representative. Her outgoing and friendly nature proved to be a beneficial asset, achieving top-seller status for her region several times. In 1972, she began working as a keypunch operator at Northrop in association with NASA. A fascinating aspect of her job was to record the scientific information related to the moon rocks. Later, she obtained her real estate license. She and her husband were partners in a successful real estate franchise, Century 21 Medlock-Davis, for many years. In 1985, they sold the franchise and moved to Austin where Norma continued to make good use of her real estate knowledge and served as office manager for several real estate firms. In 1987, she joined a local Ladies Night Out group where she formed many more long-lasting friendships. Norma retired from work in 1995 to become a full-time caregiver for her dear mother Alice until her mother’s death in 1997. Norma had a kind spirit with a deep interest in people. She had the knack of striking up a conversation with everyone she met and making them feel at ease. Her loyalties ran deep, keeping up with friends she had known since grade school, faithfully attending school reunions as long as she was able. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Alice Chacon Torres; infant sister, Melba Christine Torres; brother, William Henry Torres; and brother-in-law, Paul Bradberry. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Alvin Q. Davis; daughter, Sharon Billac and beloved friend Keith Cowan, and his son Tyler Cowan; daughter, Karen Cucchia and husband Robert; cherished grandsons, Bradley Billac and Clayton Billac, and their father, Peter Billac; sister-in-law, Cora Torres; brother, Louis Torres and wife Mary Helon; brother-in-law, Robert Davis and wife Victoria; sister-in-law, Ann Davis Holt; sister-in-law, Lynda Davis Redler and husband Ben; favorite niece, whom she loved as a granddaughter, Sarah Ruth Masek and husband Neal; cousin, Lenora Reddehase; and a host of extended family members and friends. The family expresses appreciation to all of the loving family and friends who offered their interest and support to Norma as she fought her courageous battle with cancer for the past 5 years. Your kind attention brought her comfort and gave her joy. Her presence will be missed, but her memory is indelibly etched in our hearts, and we are grateful to have had her in our lives. Our lives were truly enriched by having known and loved Norma. There will be a private family memorial gathering to honor Norma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs, Austin, TX 78759. Telephone 512-342-4700.

Norma Linda Davis

February 16, 1933 - September 13, 2015