Norma Karen Anderson

Norma Karen Anderson, 68, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on September 14, 2026, at her home in Jackson, surrounded by her loved ones, after a short battle with cancer following her diagnosis in May.

Born on December 21, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, Norma lived a life marked by compassion, devotion, and deep love for the people around her. She graduated from Jackson Central Merry High School in 1975 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Union University in 1988, graduating at the top of her class.

Norma dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a registered nurse. She served for several years at Regional Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, where her skill, kindness, and commitment were recognized by those who worked alongside her and those she served. In 2004, she received both the Employee of the Year award and the Patient’s Choice Award, honors that reflected the genuine care she brought to her calling.

Her faith and service were also important parts of her life. Norma was a member of Browns Global Methodist Church and served as president of the Hope Lady’s Circle, offering her time and heart to her church community.

Those who knew Norma will remember her as caring and loving. She shared a joyful and enduring bond with her husband, Ricky. Each April, the two looked forward to traveling to Cancun to celebrate their anniversary, making treasured memories together year after year. They also loved their annual October trips to the Gulf and especially enjoyed taking their precious dogs, Izzy and Bella, to Dolphin Island. These simple, happy traditions became part of the story of a life rich in love and togetherness.

Above all else, Norma loved her family. She considered her family to be her proudest accomplishment, and that love was the center of her life. She gave of herself generously, nurturing those around her with warmth, strength, and tenderness.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Ricky Anderson; sons, Kevin Gilley (Amy) and Keith Gilley (April); mother, Anita Hayes Perry; stepson, Cameron Anderson; stepdaughters, Nikki Lira (Shane) and Renee Leonard (Chris); brothers, Ron Perry and Tony Perry (Shannon); sister, Diane Rushing; grandchildren, Hayden Gilley, Emma Weiffenbach, Ellie Gilley, and Coy Gilley; step-grandchildren, Mia Leonard, Mason Leonard, Kylie Dodd, Lillie Dodd, Blake Dodd, Kalyb Anderson, Allison Anderson, and Aria Anderson; great-grandchildren, Asher Weiffenbach and Tucker Weiffenbach; step-great-grandchildren, Susie Lira and Bash Lira; and furbaby, Bella.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mickie Perry; brother-in-law, Joel Rushing; and furbaby, Isabella "Izzy".

A memorial service to honor Norma's life will be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Browns Global Methodist Church (181 McLeary Rd., Jackson, TN 38305). The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nurse Remembrance Service Members at https://westtennesseenurseshonorguard.godaddysites.com/. 

Norma’s memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her. Her life was one of service, faith, and love, and the example she leaves behind will continue to live in the hearts of those who carry her memory forward.