Obituary
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7
Norma Jean Guinn, 82, went to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, December 14, 2023. She was born in Houston, TX on August 23, 1941 to Noma Pauline Bell Befeld and Fritz Otto Befeld. She was an only child in a loving and supportive home and was strong in her faith and belief in the grace from the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Norma graduated from Reagan High School in Houston, TX and attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. While earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Franklin “Chuck” Guinn. Norma spent the early part of her career at home taking care of her two children while they were young. During that time Chuck took a transfer for his job and the family moved to Orlando, Florida. Once her youngest child reached school age, Norma began her teaching elementary school in Seminole county, most of that time at Eastbrook Elementary, where she was a Pod leader in both 4th and 5th grades. Norma finished her career as an administrator for the Orange County Board of Education, managing the curriculum and resources for the special needs children throughout the county.
Bart Giamatti, an American professor of English Renaissance literature and president of Yale University, said, “Teachers believe they have the gift of giving; it drives them with the same irrepressible drive that drives others to create a work of art or a market or a building.” That irrepressible drive lived and thrived inside Norma. No sacrifice was too great, or task to daunting for “her children.” She has a proud legacy of positively influencing thousands of children in central Florida. The many students that have returned to visit and appreciate her are validation that, “Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” Norma Jean Guinn was a teacher from head to toe, her entire soul was put forth for her students and many lives are better for having been touched by her passion.
Norma was extremely proud and devoted to bother her husband of 62 years and her children, Sharla Jean Guinn and Charles Bartly “Chip” Guinn. She was the rudder of the ship, family Guinn; managing the household, planning the activities, overseeing responsibilities all with a warm smile and comforting hug. Norma was filled with endless love for family and friends and steadfastly protective of them both. She and Chuck built a beautiful, supportive, nurturing family life for their children which was a priority and a point of pride in her life.
Norma is deeply missed by her loving family, including her husband; children; daughter-in-law, Maria Sybel Guinn; grandson, Charles Maxell Guinn; sister-in-law Lita Pearl Lamberth Guinn; nephew Wade Carlton Guinn and his wife Sarah; niece Marilyn Carol Guinn Skaf and her husband Rashid; grandnephew Christian Wadih Guinn; and many dear and caring friends.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery, Kissimmee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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