2025S0061-1 01/31/25
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 39
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Norma Jean Spiller de Jong, who died
November 15, 2024, at the age of 97; and
WHEREAS, Norma Jean Spiller was born on August 8, 1927, and
she grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma; she attended Cottey College,
and she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in religious
education from Phillips University and a master's degree in
public health from the University of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Norma shared 61 years of marriage with Dirk de
Jong, and they found great joy in traveling the world together;
they resided in Panama, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Argentina
before settling in Houston, where Norma enjoyed a 17-year career
with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center; and
WHEREAS, Norma and Dirk were blessed with four children,
Richard, Els, Dayna, and Kaes, and their eight grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren enriched her life immeasurably; and
WHEREAS, Guided throughout her life by her spiritual
faith, Norma served as an elder and was an active member of the
congregation of Northwoods Presbyterian Church, and she gave
generously of her time and energy as a volunteer with Northwest
Assistance Ministries and the Philanthropic Educational
Organization Sisterhood; and
WHEREAS, Norma was a source of inspiration to her many
friends and loved ones through her selfless example and her
enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest, and she leaves
behind memories that will long be cherished by her family and by
all who were privileged to share in her life; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Norma Jean Spiller de Jong; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Norma de Jong.