Born on October 16, 1951 in Sulphur, to Attorney Lynn Wilkerson Norman and Teacher Byrd Ferguson Norman, Mary Jane was a beloved daughter, niece, mother, grandmother, doctor and friend. She touched the lives of so many with her profound warmth, creativity, compassion and humor. Mary Jane was a generous friend with a keenly empathetic heart.

Mary Jane graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History. Later in life, after becoming a mother, Mary Jane answered her calling of becoming a Medical Doctor.

Mary Jane pursued her Medical Degree in Family Medicine at the University of Utah Medical School. After the completion of her Residency at the University of Utah, she specialized for a time in women’s health. However, her true gift was in Geriatric Medicine.

Mary Jane’s personal mission was to create a model of compassionate care and dignity for those coming into the end of life. She leaves a legacy of kindness and understanding for this all important stage.

Mary Jane was passionate about all things colorful, bright and beautiful. She possessed an amazing sense of style, think Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame, and you will not be too far off the mark. Mary Jane was a brilliant artist and seamstress. She created numerous pieces of artwork for family and friends, frequently created her own clothing, and even made her daughter’s wedding dress.

Mary Jane is survived by her daughter, Bena Kratochvil; and her granddaughter, Ocean Wister Larkey. She is additionally survived by her dear friends, Bruce Davies, Jolene Mitchell, Marilyn Bearen, Janice Warren, and Jack Kelly - all whom will forever cherish her memory.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her father, Lynn Wilkerson Norman; her mother, Byrd Ferguson Norman; brother, Lynn Byrd Norman; aunts, Margret Jane McMakin, Mary F. Tate, Ruth F. Moore; uncles, Bud Ferguson, and Tom Ferguson.

A service to honor and celebrate Mary Jane will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at the Chapel of Crossway Baptist Church in Sulphur (which Mary Jane and her daughter lovingly referred to as “The Church of the Walmart,”) with interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Jane had requested that donations be made to one of the following organizations:

•St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org

•Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, www.regionalfoodbank.org

•The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma, www.familyshelterofsouthernok. net

•Primary Children’s Hospital, www.intermountainhealthcare.org/ locations/primary-childrens-salt-lake-city