Barbara June McElduff Norris was born in Eros, Louisiana on June 2, 1934.  Barbara passed away peacefully in her home in Choudrant, Louisiana, on February 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents. James Alton  and Myrtle Kelley McElduff; her husband, Thomas Jack Norris, Sr.; her son, Thomas Jack Norris, Jr.; her daughter, Angela Marie Norris; her grandson, Gregory Michael Hinton; her sisters, Jo Ann McElduff Wheelis and Margie McElduff.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Deborah Norris Disk (Thomas Disk-deceased). Karl A. Norris (Irene), Randall Mark Norris (Melanie); her brother. Billy McElduff (Pam), Lina Mae Eshberger (Bob), Patricia Clingfost (Forrest), Gloria Leachman Joubert (Larry);  5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews – loved by all.

It is impossible to recount Barbara’s accomplishments, dedications and contributions to family, friends, church and education during her lifetime.  Barbara was an honored and respected teacher.  She taught for 32 years at Ruston Elementary School and truth be known, she probably taught half the adult population in Lincoln Parish at some point in her life and if she didn’t teach them, she may have taught their children because she continued to substitute teach after retirement until she was 80.   She had a calling and passion to teach.  She remembered all the little children entrusted to her care and often told stories of the rewards and challenges of teaching.  She took her responsibility to shape lives very seriously.

She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree in 1965, a Master of Arts in Education Degree in 1968, and a Specialist in Education Degree in 1973; all from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in Ruston, Louisiana.   She was named teacher of the year multiple times throughout her career and was a recognized professor at Louisiana Tech University for summer semester education course instruction.

Barbara was a longtime member of Choudrant Baptist Church.  During her lifetime she dedicated her time and talents to her church and mission work, from helping with shoe box missions in the 4-corner area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah on Apache and Navaho Reservations to teaching Vacation Bible School on Cherokee and Choctaw Reservations in Oklahoma.  Barbara travelled to Jamaica and Ukraine to support Vacation Bible School through her teaching skills, and she graciously housed, hosted, and supported missionaries from the Philippines.

In her local church, Barbara served and ministered through benevolent meals, Senior Saints Dinners and was well known for her skills in crafting floral arrangements for the sanctuary and special activities.

Her hobbies and interests included tending her yard, feeding her birds, and crafting; she was a very creative and artistic woman.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at Choudrant First Baptist Church, 117 Oak Street, Choudrant, LA on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM with interment at Sibley Cemetery, in Sibley, Louisiana.  Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana, at 209 North Bonner Street from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  The funeral will be officiated by Bro. Karl Norris, Phillp Neaville, Bro. Gill Arthur and special music by granddaughter Maddie Norris.

Pallbearers are Billy McElduff, Phillip Neaville, Dr Justin Norris, MD, Shane Jeffers, and Mike Griffin, and Dr Joel Norris, MD.   Honorary Pallbearers are Forrest Clingfost, Randy Reynolds and David McBride.

In lieu of flowers, planned memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Choudrant, or to the Myrtle McElduff Nursing Scholarship at La Tech University.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Nathan Hancock and the entire staff at Allegiance Hospice Care of Louisiana.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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