Norma Jean Snyder (Hall), 96, passed away February 26, 2026, at Legend Senior Living in Hutchinson, KS
A memorial service will be held at Central Church of the Nazarene, 12600 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Norma Jean Hall was born March 5, 1929, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Arnett W. and Ida Mae (Kessler) Snyder. She graduated from Wyandotte High School.
Norma Jean met Carl R. Snyder of Carthage, MO, following his discharge from the Navy in 1945, and married in 1947. She and Carl attended Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, OK where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She later earned her Master of Education from the University of Kansas.
Norma Jean began her teaching career in 1957 in Edwardsville, KS, as a third-grade teacher. In 1960, she moved to Hazel Grove Elementary, where she taught third grade and kindergarten. In 1975, she became the Coordinator of Gifted Education for the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative, serving the Kansas City, KS Piper, and Bonner Springs school systems. She retired in 1993. Norma Jean was known to say, “If we have helped your child gain as much as possible intellectually and also have more understanding and love for his fellow man we will have achieved much in our gifted program”.
During her career, she received the Gifted Advocate Award from the State of Kansas Gifted, Talented, and Creative Association; the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award from the Wyandotte County United Way; and the Outstanding Service Award and Outstanding Educator Award from Phi Delta Kappa Greater Kansas City National Education Fraternity. Norma Jean also taught private piano lessons in her home until 1975.
Norma Jean loved walking and running 10Ks, including the Macy’s Day Run, Hospital Hill Run, Olathe Hospital Run, Research Hospital Run, Avon International Run, and St. Luke’s Hospital Run.
At the age of 12, Norma Jean along with her parents and sister became members of Central Church of the Nazarene when the congregation was only 15 members. This became the foundation of faith that A.W. & Ida Hall would provide for the family. Norma Jean and Carl returned to Kansas after obtaining their educations from Bethany Nazarene College, she began playing piano for the church and continued for more than 40 years. She and Carl also led the Young Married Sunday School class for 20 years at Central Church of the Nazarene.
Her commitment to helping others, particularly young adults, was matched only by her dedication to her faith. Norma Jean and Carl welcomed countless people into their home for fellowship and temporary shelter, while also guiding many as mentors. Her enduring love for her husband, Carl, remained steadfast throughout their 73yrs together, and their relationship set an inspiring example for everyone around them.
Their journeys took them far and wide, whether exploring for enjoyment or reaching out to help others. Norma Jean’s love for her children, Teresa and Ric, knew no bounds, it was everlasting and unwavering. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren cherished her deeply and were always embraced by her kindness and care.
Norma Jean touched many lives with her beautiful smile, wonderful talents, and compassion for all.
Norma Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, daughter Teresa (Terri) Snyder Coulter, granddaughter Ami Lynn Filler (Snyder) and sister Dorothy Hewitt. She is survived by son Ric & Patty, Hutchinson KS; son-in-law Gary & Phyllis Coulter, Franklin, TN. Grandchildren Sherri Dean Coulter (Dr. Hal Calvert), Derek (Rhonda) Coulter, Carl (Kristen) Snyder II, Jason (Vanessa) Peters and Tricia Peters. Nine great grandchildren and Three Great-Great Grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Central Church of the Nazarene, 12600 W 87th Street Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215 in the name of Norma Jean Snyder.