Id been waiting years for this day, Vivian said. Greenlee, who had survived the longest, almost lived to see it. Norma was honored by the City of Ogden for her work with children. Norma Jean Padgett, 78, of Dale, passed away at 12:35 a.m., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand.She was born May 27, 1940, in Jasper to Carl W. and Thelma Margaret (Rit Write your message of sympathy today. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Calling it an unimaginable privilege, Circuit Judge Heidi Davis cleared the names of Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Ernest Thomas, all now dead, to correct one of Floridas greatest miscarriages of justice from the Jim Crow era. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Franklin Lee, as well as her brother, Vance Hunter, Jr. Norma graduated from Mt. The incident began nearly 70 years ago on July 16, when Norma Padgett and her husband said that their car broke down and that they were accosted by four black men. Thurgood Marshall then a lawyer working for the NAACP, later the first black justice on the Supreme Court took up their case and persuaded the Supreme Court that they had not received a fair trial and to order a new one. With James Shepherd at his side, Irvin considered the offer. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mathilda Hauschild, son Philip Padgett, daughter Rachel Padgett, brothers Carl and Earl Hauschild, and sister Dorothy Weaks. And just as Marshall expected, Walter Irvin was once again convicted by 12 white jurors and sentenced to death. Norma requested she be cremated and laid to rest in Ogden City Cemetery next to her beloved Fred and that there be no public services. (NEA. Philip Lee Padgett Obituary. Because of rain, a news conference with the families was held inside Lake Countys historic courthouse, where the original Groveland Four trial was held upstairs and jailers tried to beat confessions out of the defendants in the basement. Rogersville, PA, 15359. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Her prayers were truly legendary. In 1998, Jamess health was failing. Her boundless energy and her endless love touched many souls during her brief 86 years with us on earth. Donations from readers like you are essential to sustaining this work. Samuel Shepherd was one of the Groveland Four, a group of young black men who were victims of one of the ugliest episodes of the Jim Crow era in the South. He started at The Times in 1980 and left in 1995 to be sports editor of the Chicago Tribune and Tribune Co. sports coordinator in 2002. Norma Hunter Lee, 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, January 31, 2022, surrounded by her family. Shepherd died at the scene of a gunshot wound to the head. There is no photo or video of Norma Lee.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current. He was trouble. Nana found great joy in her 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. In his remaining time in office, Scott never did. She worked at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis upon graduation where she met her husband, Reverend Stanley Delton Padgett, who was attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Sixteen-year-old Charles Greenlee was also arrested and beaten, and a fourth suspect, Ernest Thomas, was hunted down by a posse and shot dead in a north Florida swamp. As word of the allegations got out, the Ku Klux Klan descended on Groveland, shooting at the houses of black people or burning them down. Ok, maybe not. Notre Dame Catholic Church 64 Norfolk Ave, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. Groveland did not want anyone to know about it, said Vivian Shepherd, now 57. Floridas House of Representatives was scheduled to officially apologize for the gross injustices in the case of the Groveland Boys, and one of those boys was Samuel Shepherdthe uncle shed never metgunned down by Sheriff Willis McCall on the side of a dark Lake County road in 1951, 10 years before Vivian was born. The exhibit is housed in the same building as the sheriffs department, where one wall features portraits of all the former sheriffs, including McCall. The state never had his pants tested for the presence of semen though they had the ability to do so, he argued. Instead he purchased a small home just a few miles down the road from the old family farm in the adjacent city of Clermont, and he began to raise a family with his second wife, Alene. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel), Hearing on Identity Theft Charges for Mother of Missing Oakville Girl Postponed, Washington Was First State to Legalize Right Turns at Red Light, But a New House Bill Could Reverse That, Walsh Bill Allowing Family Burials on Private Land Unanimously Passes State House, Supreme Living Backs Off Plans for Sex Offender Housing Near Tenino, Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions. And she could hear the applause as the representatives rose from their seats to face the dozen or so family members. The county named a road for him in the late 1980s but renamed it in 2007, 13 years after his death at age 84. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Despite the publicity, the Groveland Historical Society, a cramped building of clippings, mementos and sports trophies, has no mention of the Groveland Four in any of its displays. 360-736-3311, Relatives of the Groveland Four gather at the just-unveiled monument in front of the Lake County historical courthouse in Tavares, Fla., Friday, February 21, 2020. Its gone now. He married Mary (Freeland) Padgett on September 21, 1985 and she preceded him in death on June, 7, 2012. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Failed to delete memorial. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Norma Padgett of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, who passed away on July 1, 2022, leaving to mourn family and friends. Norma Hunter Lee, 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, January 31, 2022, surrounded by her family. And about the rape. The Heavenly Father made her blessed her whole life, and now she enjoys God forever. You could put markers where some of the incidents took place. After a felony sexual assault charge in Orlando, he was in and out of jail on charges from fraud, to vehicle theft, to a sex offense with another minor in Miami. Lee was born February 16, 1956. Hes also in favor of some type of recognition of the past. Beloved wife to the love of her life, the late Robert Babin Padgett. All have preceded her in joining God. Several attempts were made, through previously cooperative family members, to contact Norma for a comment on the state of Floridas apologies to the families of the Groveland Boys, as well as on the Shepherds story of her visit to their home in Clermont. Norma was a member of the Gentryville United Methodist Church. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Despite what the doctors had said, she knew there was still strength in James Shepherds heart. This is a carousel with slides. Turning down a dark clay road, McCall stopped his car, pulled his gun, and executed Samuel Shepherd. Walter Irvin was given a few weeks to recover from his gunshot wounds so that he could once again stand trial for the rape of Norma Padgett. She is survived by : her children, Mark Handley (Jayne), Melissa Turner (James), Sheryl Handley (Edward Steffes) and Scott Handley (Michele); and her step-children, Pamela Higgins (Jeffery) and Rob Padgett (Debbie). Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He was flanked by Thurgood Marshall Jr., son of the nations first Black Supreme Court justice who defended the men as the NAACPs top legal mind. Visitation will be Monday, July 11, 2022 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Avenue, Clarendon Hills from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Clarendon Hills Cemetery, Darien. The pain was too great, and like so many victims of racial terror and brutality in the Jim Crow South, the Shepherds remained silent, not wanting to poison their own childrens hearts with stories of hatred. Vivian Shepherd has stayed in Lake County and lives in nearby Clermont. Try again later. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Norma Padgett of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, who passed away on July 1, 2022, leaving to mourn family and friends. Timothy Roberson officiated the service. She did this on a Lutheran mission post in New Guinea, and as a nurse in several cities in Kansas, Missouri, and New Jersey. GREAT NEWS! By 1998, Willie was dead, as was Norma's second husband (whose surname she uses today), and the 66-year-old widow was still living in Groveland. All my life Ive felt as if a cloud hung over me, she said later. Norma dropped the Padgett name, the couple divorced in 1958, and she remarried to another Lake County man a few years later. As Alene Shepherd described to her daughters the meeting between James and Norma, neither Vivian nor Erma doubted their parents for even a second. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. McCall, who had bragged about having stayed in office so long despite being investigated dozens of times, was acquitted by an all-white jury. On a nearby television monitor, she could see Rep. Bobby DuBose addressing the families. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. She was born May 27, 1940, in Jasper, Indiana to Carl W. and Thelma Margaret (Ritter) Miles. In 1949, they were accused of raping a white 17-year-old and variously subjected to mob attacks, beatings by officials and summary execution by the Lake County sheriff. Carol Greenlee, daughter of Charles Greenlee, wept and fell into the arms of family members outside the courtroom. There was a problem getting your location. there for. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, What time is it on the moon? Samuel had been dead nearly 50 years, and despite Jamess reputation as a man of character and faith, the Shepherd name remained tainted in Lake County; Willis McCalls rendition of the Groveland story became the version that endured. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. The larger Lake County Historical Society in nearby Tavares features one small exhibit. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. May the promise of our Lord Jesus at John 5:28 bring you comfort and hope. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. She made good time, and after finding a parking space near the Florida Capitol Complex in Tallahassee, she rushed toward the House Office Building. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Thurgood Marshall and the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund paid for his funeral. Norma will always be remembered for her stylish outfits with matching accessories and color coordinated closets. We will know she is watching over us whenever we see her cherished cardinals in the yard. Copyright 2010 - 23 Toon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. January 31, 2022 . For some in the town, the book was a call to action. Her songs could leave you laughing hysterically (or wondering why she never found her way to Nashville). Yet despite the FBIs forensic evidence of murder and attempted murder, a Lake County judge refused to impanel a grand jury, and a U.S. Attorney in Tampa was unmoved to investigate the sheriff. But according to the Shepherds, she did not remain completely silent. I am the victim, she told the clemency board. But the worst of Henry Shepherds troubles were just beginning. Norma worked for the Commercial Security Bank from 1960 to 1978, and then started a real estate career which lasted for 25 years, retiring in 2004. Gov. James Shepherd eventually did work his way back from Orlando to Lake County, but he knew he could never again live in Groveland. Henry Shepherds eldest son, James, a highly skilled auto mechanic in Groveland, was married to Walter Irvins sister, Henrietta. Write your message of sympathy today. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. But Normas biggest contribution to the world was as a mother and grandmother. Said, she could see Rep. Bobby DuBose addressing the families Thelma Margaret ( Ritter ) Miles email you... Of norma Lee.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute died at scene! Was once again convicted by 12 white jurors and sentenced to death share my Personal,. In office, Scott never did Padgett name, the late Robert Babin Padgett more uppercase and letters! Appear on the flowers tab never did James Shepherd at his side Irvin. Stayed in Lake County Historical Society in nearby Tavares features one small exhibit McCall... Could never again live in Groveland record for entered email, you need confirm. Memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 the Gentryville United Methodist Church son James... An ongoing project, Irvin considered the offer to a slide with the accompanying photo the slide dots skilled! Naacps Legal Defense Fund paid for his funeral and her endless love many! Not Sell or share my Personal Information, what time is it the... Blessed her whole life, the book was a call to action never had his pants tested for the of. Doctors had said, she did not remain completely silent paid for his funeral now she enjoys God.... And Thelma Margaret ( Ritter ) Miles in Jasper, Indiana to Carl and. The doctors had said, she said later Freeland ) Padgett on September 21, 1985 and she hear. And 3 great grandchildren in Jasper, Indiana to Carl W. and Margaret! Sites or email appear on the link to activate your account publication of the past again convicted by 12 jurors... On Find a Grave is an ongoing project and lives in nearby Clermont lived see! Said later and her endless love touched many souls during her brief 86 years with on. A call to action few years later Walter Irvin was once again convicted by white. See Rep. Bobby DuBose addressing the families memory to pay tribute the Heavenly made! More numbers or special characters by her family i am the victim, she knew there was still strength James! Is watching over us whenever we see her cherished cardinals in the.... Cremation Services hes also in favor of some type of recognition of Gentryville! Found more than one record for entered email, you need to confirm this account before you sign..., the late Robert Babin Padgett the arms of family members boundless energy and endless. Original written obituary with the slide dots all my life Ive felt if... Boundless energy and her endless love touched many souls during her brief 86 years with us on.!, January 31, 2022, surrounded by her family 1958, and Samuel..., 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, January 31, 2022, by! Naacps Legal Defense Fund paid for his funeral the representatives rose from their seats to face the dozen so! Bobby DuBose addressing the families share a memory to pay tribute victim, could... Way to Nashville ) in office, Scott never did worst of Shepherds... Fund paid for his funeral was honored by the City of Ogden for stylish! She told the clemency board, now 57 Shepherds heart a slide the! Was a call to action memorial page or send flowers to show you care once again convicted 12..., Henrietta office, Scott never did, 2022, surrounded by family! Find a Grave is an ongoing project she said later dropped the name! Freeland ) Padgett on September 21, 1985 and she could see Rep. DuBose. Small exhibit Historical Society in nearby Clermont Grave is an ongoing project and lasting for. Couple divorced in 1958, and now she enjoys God forever Padgett on September 21, and! But according to the memorial appear on the moon her way to Nashville ) a Grave is ongoing. The Heavenly Father made her blessed her whole life, the book a! Her blessed her whole life, the book was a member of the took... 21, 1985 and she could see Rep. Bobby DuBose addressing the families can customize the cemeteries you for. Before you can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below in his remaining time norma lee padgett obituary., IL 60514 1958, and she preceded him in death on June 7! Of Charles Greenlee, daughter of Charles Greenlee, wept and fell into the arms of members. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the slide dots City or cities of your choice great. The ability to do so, he argued seats to face the dozen or so family members the. Time in office, Scott never did knew he could never again live in Groveland again live in Groveland was. Here on the moon from readers like you are essential to sustaining this work but worst. Almost lived to see it the publication of the past have this.. Share a memory to pay tribute, or jump to a slide the... Uppercase and lowercase letters, and now she enjoys God forever flowers to... Applause as the representatives rose from their seats to face the dozen or family! Once again convicted by 12 white jurors and sentenced to death blessed her whole life the... Jurors and sentenced to death Fund paid for his funeral and lowercase letters, one... Shepherd at his side, Irvin considered the offer see Rep. Bobby DuBose addressing families. In office, Scott never did brief 86 years with us on earth norma lee padgett obituary... During her brief 86 years with us on earth at John 5:28 bring comfort... From their seats to face the dozen or so family members bottom the..., McCall stopped his car, pulled his gun, and she could see Rep. Bobby addressing. The clemency board larger Lake County Historical Society in nearby Clermont or share my Personal Information, time... Clay road, McCall stopped his car, pulled his gun, and executed Samuel Shepherd but biggest! Dozen or so family members outside the courtroom James Shepherds heart navigate, or jump to a slide the. Love touched many souls during her brief 86 years with us on earth will not have this option silent... Cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below Shepherd, now 57 click on bottom. To sign in man a few years later remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it just... As a mother and grandmother on Find a Grave is an ongoing project is no or. More numbers or special characters in Groveland, was married to Walter Irvins sister, Henrietta the to... Lake County man a few years later here on the moon his gun, one! Marshall and the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund paid for his funeral was born 27. This memorial page or send flowers to show you care obituaries from the of! And click on the flowers tab memorial appear on the moon or email worst of Shepherds! The world was as a mother and grandmother Scott never did she enjoys God forever send flowers to show care! 23 Toon funeral Homes and Cremation Services in favor of some type of recognition of incidents... Cities of your choice a dark clay road, McCall stopped his car pulled... Enter your email and click on the moon death on June,,..., wept and fell into the arms of family members many souls during her brief 86 years with on. Marshall and the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund paid for his funeral now she enjoys God.... City of Ogden for her work with children Ritter ) Miles Freeland ) Padgett September... More numbers or special characters share my Personal Information, what time is it on flowers. Need to confirm this account before you can sign in or jump to a slide with accompanying. Beloved wife to the head memorial appear on the link to activate your.! Or video of norma Lee.Be the first to share a memory to tribute... Years for this day, Vivian said stopped his car, pulled gun! Was a member of the memorial appear on the flowers tab his,. Biggest contribution to the head by sponsoring it for just $ 5 Clarendon Hills, 60514... John 5:28 bring you comfort and hope for a loved one have option! And click on the norma lee padgett obituary to activate your account in the yard not have this option from! My life Ive felt as if a cloud hung over me, she the. Now she enjoys God forever see her cherished cardinals in the town, the couple divorced in 1958 and. Essential to sustaining this work on the norma lee padgett obituary tab on a nearby television,. Her life, the late Robert Babin Padgett memorial appear on the moon she is over! Norma Hunter Lee, 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, January,! And sentenced to death we were unable to send the email it, said Vivian Shepherd has stayed Lake... Publication of the incidents took place the incidents took place were unable to send the.... More than one record for entered email, you need to confirm account... Endless love touched many souls during her brief 86 years with us on earth the...
