Jean Norris Obituary

Jean Musick Norris
August 23, 1947 – June 27, 2025
Jean Musick Norris, 77, of Blountville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, after a valiant eighteen-month battle with lymphoma. Jean was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and enduring love for her family. She left this world surrounded by family and faith, just as she lived her life.
She was the daughter of William Lester and Ruth Valentino Musick of Cleveland, Virginia and was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judith White.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Norris, and her two beloved daughters: Danita (Jim) Enouen of Mason, Ohio, and Tracy Thomas (fiancé Thomas Compton) of Blountville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings: brother Bundy Musick and wife Jan of Blountville, Tennessee; sisters Sue Ellen and Leslie Stallard of Coeburn, Virginia; and Mary and Gary Nave of Las Vegas, Nevada. She was a proud and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom she treasured deeply.
Jean's greatest joy came from her role as Grandmother to her four grandsons, who were truly the light of her life. She poured her love, encouragement, and unwavering support into each of them. James Enouen, a Ph.D. candidate in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles; Eric Enouen, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; Adam Enouen, a Finance major at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; and Ethan Miller, a Physical Therapy major at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Though they are spread across the country, she remained deeply connected to each of them - celebrating their achievements, cheering them on from near or far, and always making sure they knew how deeply she believed in them.
Jean loved to share treasured memories of her time with them, especially when they were young - like when toddler James sweetly asked to "see the frog in her throat" after she used the expression "I have a frog in my throat" when her throat was sore, a story she often told with a smile. She also loved to retell the story of Adam's childhood "magic trick," when he proudly showed off his ability to bend then repair one of her spoons with nothing but his hands. She kept that spoon, although forever altered, it was a treasured keepsake and reminder that the memories we make are far more valuable than the things we own. She took special joy in Eric's gentle heart and selflessness - like the time he grew out his hair for months to donate it to Locks of Love.
She shared a close bond with her grandson Ethan, who lived nearby. Their relationship was filled with laughter, encouragement, and shared moments-whether cheering at his basketball games, talking through his goals, or simply spending time together.
In fact, she became a well-known fixture at local games-often donning the school's tiger mascot costume and dancing with such energy and enthusiasm you'd think she was a teenager, not a grandmother. Her spirit was infectious, her dedication unmatched, and her sense of fun unforgettable.
Jean had a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. She earned a degree in ministry and used it to reflect the light and love of Christ in everything she did. Whether in quiet conversation or joyous celebration, Jean brought warmth, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose to all those around her. Her life was a testimony to love, faith, and unwavering grace. She will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Owens Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Hamlett - Dobson Memorial Park in Blountville, Tennessee.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Southeast (Tennessee – Alabama) P.O. Box 22443 New York, NY 10087-2443 or contribute online at https://www.lls.org/tn-al.
Share condolences and memories with the family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.
Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Ave. Lebanon, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean, please visit our floral store.