of Little Rock, AR
February 18, 1934 - January 7, 2026
Norma Jean Lawhon McMullan, age 91, went into the arms of Jesus, her Savior, on January 7, 2026. She was born on February 18, 1934, in Houston, Texas. Norma was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 62 years, David Thomas ''Tom'' McMullan; her parents, Ernest Lawhon of Houston, Georgia Countryman Bean and stepfather Carroll E. Bean of Kaufman, Texas; and her sister, Ernestine Bostick of Canton, Texas.
Norma is survived by her children, Michael Wayne McMullan (Jeri) and Sheri McMullan Swindler (Bryce); her grandchildren, Amanda McMullan Hargrove, Stephen McMullan (Katy), Kirstin Swindler Johnson (Glen), Whitney Swindler Bell (Daniel), and Marla Swindler Dowdy (Jefferson); and her fourteen great-grandchildren: Reese, Riley, and Barnes Hargrove; Max, Bennet, and Alex McMullan; Amelia, Afton, and Finn Johnson; Hudson and Harper Bell; and Evelyn, Arden, and Morgan Dowdy. She is also survived by a host of loving nieces and nephews, and her lifelong best friend, Linda Bell.
Norma was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock for fourteen years, where she sang in the church choir and taught preschool choir. She later became a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Little Rock, where she worshiped for more than forty years. There, she continued her love of music through the choir, taught preschool choir, and graciously co-hosted numerous church events. She especially loved participating in The Living Christmas Tree and the many dinner theater productions put on by church members. Norma and Tom were richly blessed with a devoted and enduring circle of friends throughout their lives.
Norma loved people well. She had a keen eye for beauty and detail, and she used those gifts to create a welcoming, elegant home where family and friends were always lovingly entertained. Family was everything to her. She hosted countless holidays, birthdays, and family dinners, preparing memorable meals; most famously her beloved orange rolls. She was an avid bridge player throughout her life and cherished her ''bridge ladies.'' Other joys included tennis, singing, working as an Estée Lauder consultant, and modeling. Norma was truly a class act, never leaving home without the perfect outfit, impeccably styled from head to toe.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregiver, Laura Joseph, whose loving devotion and gentle care greatly enhanced Norma's final months.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Little Rock, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, with visitation immediately following.
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24 Condolence(s)
Rena (Harshaw) Kushukuru
Thursday, January 15, 2026
My sincerest condolences 🙏🏾
Proverbs 31:31
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Marianne & Rob Gerber
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Aunt Norma will be missed, she was truly a wonderful woman. I know she touched the hearts of many. We loved her dearly.
Jan & Mike Tonick and Linda Bell
Monday, January 12, 2026
We're heartbroken over the loss of Norma! We have many wonderful memories of visiting with her and Tom both in AR and TX!!!
Linda will miss her BFF!!!
Jane Jesclard
Monday, January 12, 2026
Even as you mourn, remember the good times,be comforted by the LOVE
Jane Jesclard
Monday, January 12, 2026
Even as you mourn, remember the good times,be comforted by the LOVE
Judi Akin
Monday, January 12, 2026
I know u know our hearts are heavy with yours. Norma was family and our last matriarch. It was such a blessing to have her with us at Christmas. She looked beautiful as always. She will be missed. We love u all.
Randy and Judi Akin
Ann Rowell
Sunday, January 11, 2026
I have missed visiting with Norma and Sophie for quite some time, she was a sweet part of my morning routine. She will be missed.
Bob Ellis
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Mike & Jeri
So sorry to hear the news about Mrs. Norma. She was such a lovely person inside and out. Know that Tom is waiting for her with open arms. Please know that I am thinking about you during this difficult time.
Theresa Kimberling
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Gary and I loved Norma (and Tom) - Norma had such a warmth about her and always dressed like a fashion icon. She was one of a kind! And now she is united with the love of her life…. ❤️
Sharron Doss
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sending Prayers of comfort and peace for your family at this time.
Stacey Mahurin
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sheri, I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She’ll be missed by many and her memory treasured.
Marilyn Kelley Vandegrift
Friday, January 9, 2026
Sheri, Mike and Family, Norma, Tom and I were longtime Friends of George and me for over 60 years beginning at Calvary Baptist and later, at First Baptist, Little Rock. She was a Lovely, talented Lady who was among many other gifts, a valued Sanctuary and Ladies’ Choir Member and a Delightful addition to our Dinner Theatre Cast. I loved her so! 🎶💕🎶
Jonna Gale McMullan Climie
Friday, January 9, 2026
Dear family,
Aunt Norma Jean was a most exquisite woman inside and out. She had such a gift as to make one feel loved and appreciated for their unique God given gifts. I will miss Aunt Norma Jean as I do Uncle Tom, and I am assured that one day we will all sit with Our Father in heaven.
In our Father's great love, I lift you up dear ones,
Jonna
In Ithaca Ny
Vera McCray
Friday, January 9, 2026
Dear Mike &
So sorry to hear about your mom. When I met her when you lost your dad she was so lovely and gracious. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all. 🙏🏽
Mary Ann Dalmut
Friday, January 9, 2026
Dear family, all of my memories of both your parents sweet and loving. I worshipped with them many years at LRFBC and admired them so. They were dedicated to the Lord, one another,their family and church family. Norma a role model for me, her beauty, charm and kindness will live one. God bless and comfort you with His peace and your special memories of lives well lived in service to others. Mary Ann
Brenda and Gene Dorman
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Mike, Sheri and your families. Our thoughts and prayers continue for you all. Your mother was a beautiful lady and along with your dad, raised you all in a Christian home. What a life well lived. May God’s peace which passes all understanding comfort your hearts and flood your thoughts with happy, healthy memories. What a Blessed Assurance we have because of Jesus!
Marilyn Johnson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Norma was so Special!! She always made you feel Special. She was a kind, loving soul and a joy to be around. She will be missed.I treasure the time I spent with her. She is with Jesus and her kind husband Tom. Bless her family and give them all grace during this time.
Janet Williams
Thursday, January 8, 2026
What a gracious lady and example of Proverbs 31! I’m especially grateful for her gift of music and love for children! Our thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family as you treasure her legacy!
John and June Haynie
Thursday, January 8, 2026
We were privileged to know Nora through our many years of friendship with both Mike and Sherri’s families. Always pleasant, classy and beautiful, she was such a pleasure to be around. Prayers of comfort to her family and friends.
Susan Turton Weeks
Thursday, January 8, 2026
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother, grandmother and friend. She will missed so much.
I remember Ms Norma was always so elegantly dressed. I didn’t matter if it was actually a “dressy”affair or casual gathering she was always impeccable!
The last few weeks have been hard for her with her health issues and when I saw her at Christmas and she looked tired.
Rest easy sweet, Norma as you have joined the love of your life,Tom.
Steve & Debbie Woosley
Thursday, January 8, 2026
We will be remembering your sweet family with much love.
Janet Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Love and prayers for strength and comfort ♥️
Mike & Patti Truly
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Our Sympathies to Norma’s beautiful family. She was a treasure.
Pat Dyer
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Norma was truly a “dear” friend and neighbor. I treasure all the memories we made together…especially our daily walks in the neighborhood. I can still see Sophie (little & white) and Willow (big and black) as they would kiss each other and then try to pee over each other’s deposit on the grass (urine only, not poops)! I will miss her welcoming smile and beautiful countenance. ❤️