Juanita (Kidwell) Norris

Juanita Kidwell Norris

Born August 31, 1934, and went to be with our Lord May 8, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her father, William Kidwell and mother, Maggie Martin Kidwell, and brother, William Kidwell.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles Norris.  Left to cherish her memory with her husband are her sons: Rob Lay and Rick (Gwen) Lay, sister Eva (Paul) Vaughn, sister-in-law Jewell Kidwell, granddaughters, Jillisa (Daniel) Noland, Ricki Jean(Michael) Reinhardt, great granddaughters Abigail and Clara Noland, and Emma and Lillianna Reinhardt, great grandson, Calvin Reinhardt, a niece, two nephews and several grand-and great grand-nieces and nephews. 

She was a member of the Brodhead Baptist Church from early childhood and her church was important to her.  Even after she could not attend, she watched the tv services and did her devotions every day.

She graduated from Brodhead High School, Eastern Kentucky University and University of Kentucky.   She began her teaching career in a one-room school in Rockcastle County and ended it at Brodhead after 30 years. She started the first Special Needs program in the county.  Juanita was not satisfied sitting, so she began her second career by opening a florist shop, The Country Peddler.

Always a gifted, talented and creative person, she continued this business for several years.  Artistically talented, she became involved with the Tollers Painting Club in Somerset, there she enjoyed many years as an active member.  Juanita loved life and people.  She never met a stranger.  She and Charlie enjoyed going to car races, but the thing she loved the most was family get togethers at her house.  These were arranged often as family was so important to her.  Christmas Eve being the big family gathering.

Daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, teacher, reader artist…Juanita was so much more than any few words we could choose. Anyone who knew her will remember the beautiful smile she always had when she saw you.

Visitation for Juanita will be Monday, May12th, 2025, at Brodhead Baptist Church from 10:30am till 2pm. Funeral service will begin at 2pm with Bro. Ralph Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Piney Grove Cemetery.

Casket bearers are Garland and Jeff Vanhook, Chuck Cash, Dennis Lawrence, Walter Browning, and David Pensol. Honorary casket bearers are Regina Burton, Lajoy Graves, Connie Denney, Judy Baker, Judy Mullins, and Phyllis Bell.

Arrangements entrusted to Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals.