On August 17, 1927, in the Parnell community of Wayne County, KY, a daughter named Norma Jean was born into the home of Osby Bryan and Sarah Lillian (Turner) Stephenson. Her passing occurred on February 11, 2019 in Monticello, Kentucky. Preceding her in death was a sister, Alene, in 1935; an older brother, Maynard, in 1961; her father in 1970; her mother in 1974; and her sister-in-law, Sula Elaine Stephenson, in July 2013.

On July 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ray R. Coffey. To this union was born a daughter, Evana Coffey Dodson, and a son, Lowell Ray Coffey, both of whom survive.  The sudden passing of Ray came on March 26, 1976. Later she was united in marriage to Roy E. Bertram who preceded her in death on October 18, 2000.  Also surviving is a son-in-law, Gerald Dodson; a brother, D.L. Stephenson; four grandchildren, Matthew and Adam Dodson, and Brent Coffey and Hannah Coffey Moore; and five great grandchildren.  Three nephews, Johnny, Darrell, and Thomas Stephenson also survive.

On May 17, 1946, she graduated from Wayne County High School, and went on to attend Eastern Kentucky State Teacher's College in Richmond, Kentucky, (now Eastern Kentucky University). Her first teaching position was in the Brammar Hill community, located in the eastern part of Wayne County, 1946-47. Being far from her home in Parnell, she had to board with people in the community.  Her first boarding place was with Estil and Helen New, and later with Crit and Myrtie Keith.  Both families were kind to her, and she often spoke of them with fond memories.

Her second teaching position was at Mt. Hope, in the northwestern part of Wayne County, near the Cumberland River (now Lake Cumberland). She went on to teach in other county schools at Huffaker, Piney Woods, and at Independence, located on Elk Ridge.  She often said the highlight of her career was teaching alongside her father, the late O. B. Stephenson at Parnell.

As time moved on, schools were being consolidated, and she was asked by Superintendent Ira Bell to move in and teach eighth grade at Turner Building.  Later on, Turner became the high school, so seventh and eighth grade students were moved to the old Wayne County High School and it became the A. J. Lloyd Middle School.  She finished her career there teaching math. She retired in 1986, having taught 37 years.  She believed that God endows each of us with one special talent; teaching children seemed to be her calling in life, a vocation she dearly loved.

Norma attended and was a member of Elk Spring Valley Baptist Church where for many years, she sang in the church choir.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 between 5 pm – 8 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 1 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.