Norma Jean Freeman Buff Sitters was born on July 15, 1943, to Donna Ethel and Walter C. Freeman in Antioch, California. Shortly after her birth, the family made their way to Haileyville, Oklahoma, where Norma attended Haileyville Public Schools. Later she moved to Hartshorne where her strong roots in family, faith, and community were firmly planted. On August 22, 2026, at 3:50 A. M., Norma left this earthly home and entered into her Creators loving arms in Heaven, hearing the words we all long to hear:  "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

She was 83 years, 1 month, and 6 days.

On June 22, 1960, Norma married Billy Ray Buff, and together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Diane and Debbie. Later in life, their paths led them in different directions, and after dating for some time, on December 2, 1967, she married William David Sitters. From that marriage came three more beautiful daughters: Teresa, Charlotte, and Elizabeth. Norma's love for her daughters was fierce, unconditional, and unwavering. Everyone who knew her knew that her girls were her heart walking around outside her body.

Norma was the living picture of a Proverbs 31 woman—strong, gentle, wise, and compassionate.  "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of the future."— Proverbs 31:25

She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and the very best "Nanny George" this world has ever known. Her family was her greatest joy. She spoke often of her "beautiful girls," her many grandchildren she couldn't quite keep count of, and even more great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren she truly couldn't keep up with—but she loved every single one of them with her whole heart.

Norma had a servant's heart in the purest sense. She served as a Homeroom Parent during her children's school years and was a mother not only to her own children, but to anyone who needed comfort, guidance, or a safe place to land. She worked for many years as a waitress and later at Oklahoma Aerotronics Incorporated, Rockwell International, and Hartshorne Public Schools, where she was loved by students, parents, teachers, staff, and coworkers alike.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." — 1 Peter 4:10

Norma was raised in the Baptist faith and later embraced the Catholic faith after marrying William. Following his passing, she attended Hartshorne First Assembly of God with her daughter Elizabeth, remaining faithful until the progression of Dementia and Alzheimer's no longer allowed her to attend services. Even then, her faith never left her.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

Her family laughs and says, "she always knew and loved Jesus, but she did cuss a little".

To know Norma was to love her. She was a member of the VFW Post 8798 where she loved serving others. She was a talented songwriter who recorded and published many of her works. She loved the town of Hartshorne and was a pillar of the community, serving faithfully during the Blue Mountain Western Festival, Hard Times Day Festival, and countless other local events. Norma was an encourager, a helper, and a giver. If you needed a hot meal, a cup of coffee, or simply someone to listen, her door was always open—day or night.

She loved the outdoors and took great pride in her yard. If she wasn't trimming trees or tending her flowers, her girls would joke, "She's out mowing the dirt." Those moments brought her joy, peace, and purpose.  "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." — Genesis 2:15

Norma had a rare and beautiful gift—she loved others unconditionally. She believed in people, often before they believed in themselves. If you ever doubted your worth, Norma would remind you exactly who you were and whose you were. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."— 1 Peter 4:8

Norma was strong, joyful, and resilient. Her smile could light up a room, and her spirit refused to be dimmed. Even as she faced the challenges of Dementia and Alzheimer's, she met each day with grace and her well-known words: "You can't get a good woman down." She lived those words until her final breath.  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Norma is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William David Sitters; her mother, Donna Ethel Green; her father, Walter C. Freeman; and her sister, Frances Reynolds.

She is survived by her daughters: Judy Diane Buff Haws and husband Charles of Bourbon, Missouri; Debora Buff Stiffler of Berryhill, Oklahoma; Teresa Sue Farris and husband Mike of Hartshorne, Oklahoma; Charlotte Louise Howry and husband Bill of High Hill, Oklahoma; and Elizabeth Dawn Wilson and husband Jimmy Don of Hartshorne, Oklahoma; along with a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, and her sister, Carolyn Holt.

Norma Jean will be deeply missed, but her love, faith, and legacy live on in the countless lives she touched.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." — Matthew 5:4

Viewing will be on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hartshorne Assembly of God. Funeral services will be Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hartshorne First Assembly of God with Rev. Jeff Mattox and Rev. Aaron Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hartshorne. Active pallbearers will be Jerry Gragg, Ricky Gragg, William Baeriswyl, Gene Baeriswyl, Kenny Buff, and Jeffrey Logston. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Haws, Jimmy Don Wilson, Mike Farris, Bill Howry Jr., and Darren Sensibaugh.