Norma Phillips

Norma Virginia Phillips passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with her family by her side, at the age of 81. Norma was a devout and practicing Catholic. Norma was born, Norma Virginia Martinez, in Santo Domingo, to Angela Mercedes Chicon and Eduardo Martinez. Her family had settled there from Seville, Spain. Norma was an accomplished Opera Singer, song writer, painter and musician. Norma sang at the Metropolitan opera, Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Norma's love, in addition to her family, was music. Norma also taught piano in her later years. Norma married her high school sweetheart, Russell Bruce Phillips. They began their life adventure in the United States Air Force. They were happily married for 54 years when she lost the love of her life. Norma retired from Verizon as an information operator after many years of dedicated employment. Before Russell passed, they spent many years retired and spent that time together traveling, dancing, and enjoying their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while enjoying life to the fullest. Norma is survived by her children; two daughters, Debra Ann Dietrich, Cynthia Virginia Jensen her husband Stephen Jensen Jr.; and son, Russell Gray Phillips; her grandchildren, Keith, Sara, Krystal, Jessica, Brett and Megan; and her great-grandchildren, Brea and Mason. Norma is also survived by her loving siblings, Olga Martinez-Jeck, Melba Van Pelt and Edward Martinez; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and others too many to mention. Norma was loved by all and will be deeply missed. Private family viewing and prayer will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre Chapel (7794 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566) from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Father Kelly of St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church officiating. Following the private family time, public viewing/visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre. A procession will leave the funeral home promptly at 1:00 p.m. for a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The Family wishes to thank the staff of Emerald Coast Center for the love, dedication and care of their Mother, Sister and Grandmother during her time of illness.