Norma Jean Brooks

On the morning of September 9, 2024 our precious mother, Norma Jean Franklin Kirkman Brooks, 96, went home to be with her Savior. She was a beloved wife, mother and adored “Grandma” to her many grand-babies. 

Norma was born April 29, 1928 in Linton, Indiana, the third children of coal miner David Benjamin and Kate Daisy Franklin. At an early age she married John Sherman Kirkman of Dugger, IN. They had four children but after 20 years they divorced and she later married Milton Earl Brooks, of Oklahoma. Their union lasted until his death, 57 years! 

Norma started her “career” life by working in a restaurant in Anderson, IN, owned by her aunt and uncle. Later she and her husband John moved to Indianapolis and both went to work driving trolley cars. When it came time for their first child to start school, they moved the family back to Linton and she went to work for Sarks-Tarzen. In 1959 they moved back to Indianapolis and she went to work for RCA. In 1966 she married Earl and together they started their own business subcontracting in the construction trade and worked together until retiring to Knightstown. 

She was an avid reader of mystery novels and very adventurous from riding her own motorcycle to celebrating her 90 birthday by trying zip lining for the first time, but her greatest love was her family. She loved family gatherings from cook-outs in summer to wiener roasts over bonfires to those big Christmas dinners with the family all around.

She was a member of Faith Chapel Baptist Church in Knightstown. 

She is survived by daughters, Christina (Russell, Jr.) Coogle of Cecilia, KY and Patricia Gail (Gary) Sergent of Knightstown; son, John Sherman (Charlene) Kirkman, III of Morgantown; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and will be sadly missed by all. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Earl Brooks and daughter, Deborah Joyce Kirkman Bischoff. 

Cremation has been chosen and there will be no public service. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family thanks you for your prayers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel. Condolences and memories of Norma may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.