Norma Jean Durbin

Norma Jean Durbin, age 75, of Taylorville, Illinois passed away on February 9, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Norma was born on August 16, 1948, in Taylorville, Illinois, the daughter of Eugene Graham and Rosalie (Surratt) Graham. 

On June 26, 1971, Norma married the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Durbin in Taylorville at St. Mary’s Church in Taylorville. Tony and Norma shared a beautiful life together and enjoyed 52 and a half blessed years of marriage. 

Norma graduated from Kincaid High School (Kincaid, IL) in 1968. She worked briefly at the Secretary of State before settling into her role as a homemaker.

Norma was an active member of St. Mary’s Church and the VFW Auxiliary. As a result of her involvement, she earned notable recognitions with the VFW: Honorary Membership of the VFW Riders as well as an Appreciation Award.

Norma was known for her warmth, her smile, her laugh, and her hugs. She took great pride in and care of her family, often happily serving as the designated caretaker of the entire family. Norma loved to cook and bake. Cherry Delight was a special talent. She loved to visit with family and friends. She enjoyed window shopping and took pride in being a homemaker. Her joy was taking care of her grandchildren. She never wanted to be fussed over and always cared more about others than about herself.  She was the true essence of nurture and love.

Norma is survived by her loving and devoted husband; her son, Phillip Durbin of Taylorville, IL; daughters, Elizabeth (Allen) Cravens of Paris, IL and Sarah Durbin Chance of Taylorville, IL; 8 grandchildren, Blake Durbin, Michael Durbin (significant other, Ariel Dubay), Laina Durbin, Carter Chance, Lily Chance, Clement Chance, Cale Chance, all of Taylorville, IL and Chandra Cravens of Paris, IL; 3 great grandchildren, Allana Barczy, Zaylee Barczy, & Dominic Cravens all of Paris, IL; siblings, Rosetta (Steven) Wells, Madonna Haynes, and Donald Graham, all of Tovey, IL, Arlene Graham, David (Amy) Graham, Becky (Randy) Prince and sister-in-law, Mary Beth Kent all of Taylorville, IL; her uncle, Ronald Graham of Bulpit, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant child, Michael Durbin; sister, Nancy Huddlestun; brothers-in-law, Gene Huddlestun and David Haynes; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation & Funeral Mass: The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams Street, Taylorville, IL.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Piotr Kosk officiating.

Internment will follow the funeral mass at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorial contributions in Norma’s memory are suggested to: VFW Post #4495 Auxiliary or St. Mary’s Church & School.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Norma, or to offer condolences to her family.