Norma Inman

Norma Jean Isenberg Inman, 82, of Cookeville, died peacefully Sunday, September 17, 2017 in her home, surrounded by her husband and three children. She was born April 18, 1935, to the late David and Pearl Isenberg. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Connie Inman; son and daughter-in-law Spence and Lori Inman of Hilham, son and daughter-in-law Todd and Tara Inman of Ooltewah, and daughter Allison Inman of Nashville; grandchildren Savannah, Caroline, Dawit, Sarah Jane, and Susannah Inman; nieces Debra Althaus and Janet Morgan (Byron); nephews Paul Waldrop (Dodi) and Craig Combs (Betsy); brother-in-law Charles Layton and brother- and sister-in-law, Jim and Sharon Inman of Hamilton, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son; sister and brother-in-law Ruby and Clyde Combs; sister Barbara Layton; and infant brother Howard Isenberg. Norma was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Cave City, Kentucky, an idyllic childhood spent with a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She and her sisters waited tables in their parents' family restaurant, serving dinners to tourists visiting Mammoth Cave National Park. After graduating from University of Kentucky, she taught art at Piqua High School in Ohio, where she met and soon married the school's new physical education teacher, Connie Inman. They moved to Cookeville in 1965, when Connie accepted a coaching position at Tennessee Tech and where she later became an adjunct art professor. She loved her role in the TTU basketball and art communities, where she made many lifelong friends. Norma and Connie sold insurance together on the Cookeville square for 34 years until retirement in 2010. Norma was a gifted, prolific painter, exhibiting in many shows throughout her life and seeing the world through an artist's eyes. She had a deep spiritual life, carried out daily through acts of kindness, patience and generosity, and was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Cookeville. She loved singing, dancing, reading, traveling, and engaging in deep conversation with friends and strangers alike. She brought warmth, curiosity and enthusiasm to every conversation and endeavor and created a beautiful world for her family. The family wishes to thank the caring medical professionals at Cookeville Cancer Center, Highland Rim Home Health and Avalon Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cookeville Rescue Mission, P.O Box 114, Cookeville, TN 38503, and the First United Methodist Church food pantry, 165 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22, at 11am at First United Methodist Church in Cookeville, with family receiving friends between 10 and 11am. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery in Cave City, Kentucky, at 4pm. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 5-7pm, at Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville. Pallbearers are Robert Brown, Rex Buckner, Whit Carlen, Jeff Jones, Chris Kibbons, Bo Power, Scott Roach, and Brad Sells. Hooper Huddleson and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.