Barbara Ann Norman

Barbara Ann Norman, 97, passed away February 8, 2026, in Oklahoma City. She was born August 7, 1928, in Kansas City, MO, to Carl and Irene Brown. She graduated from Oklahoma A & M University where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She later earned a Doctor of Education from OU. Barbara joined Central State College, currently the University of Central Oklahoma, in 1965 after being recruited from Northwest Classen High School while serving as their debate coach. She retired in 2000 after 34 years as a professor and chair of the UCO Communications Department. Barbara received Outstanding Speech Communication Educator by the Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association twice during her career and was honored with the title of the UCO Outstanding Faculty Woman in 1982 and 1985.

Barbara was an active member of Santa Fe Presbyterian Church in Edmond and was a proud Citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Barbara was an avid reader and loved to travel. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was a member of multiple Bridge groups.

She is survived by her son, Randy Norman and wife, Gwen, of Edmond; grandchildren, Emily Brown and husband, Dan, of Seattle, WA, Melanie Connelly and husband, Brian, of Oklahoma City, and Shelby Norman and wife, Lindsay, of Edmond; and six great grandchildren, Jake Brown, Avery Brown, Lauren Connelly, Allison Connelly, Fitz Norman, and Lincoln Norman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jimmie Ray Norman, in 2002, and her son, Kevin, in 2003.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel.

If you wish, flowers are welcome or a contribution may be made in her memory to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.