“Norma” Elaine Eubanks Yon completed her work, earned her wings and went to be with the Lord, her Daddy and her Mama on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2014.
She was a loyal, loving and dedicated Wife, a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, successful business woman, friend to all and part of the greatest generation. She was born in Blountstown, Florida on February 5, 1926 as the second child of four to Bennett T. and Lois Brantley Eubanks. The family later moved to Chattahoochee, Florida.
She accepted Christ as her personal savior at the age of thirteen at the Methodist Church in Chattahoochee. She said, “My Daddy held my hand and escorted me down to the front.” After her Dad’s sudden passing in 1941, her Mother with their four children moved back to Blountstown in 1942. She graduated from Calco High (n/k/a Blountstown High School) in 1944. In August 1944, Captain Terrell E. Yon returned from his WWII tour of duty as a fighter pilot and cupid shot an arrow that lasted almost 70 years. On October 6, 1944, Captain Terrell E. Yon and Norma E. Eubanks married till death do us part. In 1947, Major Yon completed his 5 year active duty obligation and Terrell and Norma returned to live in Blountstown with their oldest son in tow. In 1948 Terrell and Norma became entrepreneurs and purchased a clothing store previously owned by her Dad. The name of the new business was the T. E. Yon Department Store located in downtown Blountstown.
In 1952, they built their home for a life time. Though they expanded into several business ventures throughout the years, their primary success story was the department store, the Merle Norman Studio and later the bail bonds business. They worked six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Her duties included buyer, marketing, sales, bookkeeper, and financial manager.
Terrell and Norma were the parents of three children: Terry, Jr., Kenny and Nancy. She was instrumental in the success of her children. She navigated their direction through both smooth and troubled waters. In her latter days she reflected and said, “We had a great life. I guess we did alright, all of our children completed college.”
She also ensured kids in the neighborhood were fed when they just happened to drop in at meal time and she took every opportunity to give them some motherly advice. She unselfishly tried to make the world a better place. Being surrounded by her husband and two sons for seventeen years, she especially enjoyed the presence of her daughter, Nancy. Some very special times in her life were planning Nancy’s wedding, traveling to all parts of the United States with her grandchildren, and having time in her later years to assist with raising her Granddaughter, Shelbie.
She is survived by: Terrell E Yon, Sr. (Husband); Terry Yon, Jr. (Son); Kenny Yon, Sr. (Son) and wife Ellen; Nancy E. Yon Johnson (Daughter) and husband Jeff; Eloise Gholson (Sister); Betty Ann Cayson (Sister); Ben Eubanks (Brother) and wife Faye; Billie Yon (Brother-in-Law) and wife Bobbie; Marilyn Yon; Charles Gainey; and six Grandchildren: Terra; Ken, Jr.; Trey; Sean; Kim; and Shelbie. The circle of life also includes five Great Grandchildren, and a host of Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by Bennett T. Eubanks (Father) and Lois (Mother), and her beloved Mother and Father-in-law, Lillie Mae and Bill Yon.
She spoke often of her Dad and the upbringing he provided. She admittedly missed him dearly. She spoke fondly of her sisters and brother and special occasions such as dressing up for Easter and family trips. She took great pride in her dress and appearance. She worked until the end. In her last years she was a dedicated care giver for her husband, Terrell.
She was proud of his military record. She left her mark as well. She put family first. She was small in stature but big in heart. While always responsible but often concerning, she maintained the heart of a little girl and laughed often. She was a proud American. Her performance here on earth was outstanding. Norma Elaine Eubanks Yon (Mother) will forever be loved and missed until we meet again!
Final services will be on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM (CDT) at the First Baptist Church of Blountstown, Florida. The family will receive friends Friday, May 16, 2014 from 10:00 AM (CDT) until service time at 11:00 AM (CDT) at the First Baptist Church. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.
