Norma L. Gillham

Norma L. Gillham (nee Roth), of O’Fallon, MO, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the age of 88. Loving wife of the late J.D. Gillham, Jr.; beloved daughter of the late Merlin and Dorothy Roth; devoted mother of Terry (the late Rebecca) Gillham and Cheryl (Kevin) Basden; cherished grandmother of Cody Gillham, Trent (Amanda) Gillham, Austin Evans, and Chloe (Austin) Ashley; treasured great-grandmother of Clara-Lou Ashley and Aiden Gillham; and is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends. Norma is also preceded in death by her siblings, Marvin Roth, Bob Roth, Ron Roth, and Jeanie Roth.

Norma attended Faith Community Church in St. Ann, MO. She was born in Perryville, MO, in 1936. She was raised in Minnith, MO on a farm. She moved to Pattonville, MO in 1953/1954 in senior year of high school. She graduated in 1954 and that same year she married J.D. Gillham Jr.

Norma met J.D. when he came to St. Louis with a friend at Overland Church of the Nazarene and married there. They lived in Oklahoma City a couple years while J.D. was in college at Bethany Nazarene University. Terry Lynn was born there in 1958. They moved to O’Fallon, MO around 1960 and resided there until present. Norma went to Windsor Estates in June of 2024.

Norma was instrumental in getting O’Fallon Church of Nazarene started. Served there until it closed in the early 2000’s. Norma and J.D. were the Children’s Ministries Directors for over 20 years there served in many other capacities, there as well. Attended FCC from about 2000 to 2018 when she got bad with dementia. 

Norma was the Energizer Bunny, always steady, stable, and energetic. She was not afraid to take anything on. She helped remodel church and was a Sunday School teacher. Her hobbies include gardening, accomplished seamstress, sewed clothes for family especially for her daughter when she was young and making bookmarks. 

Norma worked at many places in her life including Lever Brother, Sunshine Biscuit Co., Union Electric, K-Mart, Schnucks as samples lady, Bandage Co. of O’Fallon, Old Folks Homes, cleaned Houses and more. 

J.D. Passed in 2020. Norma had dementia, diabetes, got covid and turned into pneumonia which caused her death. Norma was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorial donations may be made to Faith Community Church - 2969 N Lindbergh Blvd, St Ann, MO 63074