|
Norma was from Norfolk, Virginia; attended William & Mary College and Durham Business College. She was recognized by Who's Who of American Women and was a member of the U.S. Court Reporters Association. She loved being a court reporter and prided herself on reading back her notes and delivering timely transcripts. She once took her notes to the jury box, propped them on a narrow ledge and proceeded to read for an hour. Judge Seals and the attorneys were proud of her, but she said she was just doing her job. To know Norma was to love her. She had mischievous, sparkling blue eyes, a megawatt smile and was quick with quips that sometimes revealed her Virginia upbringing, saying "aboot" for about and "oot" for out, but vowed she was a Texan too. Norma loved to travel and often took court in Corpus Christi and other South Texas towns. She also took six months off to sail the Virgin Islands. She wished she could have visited her daughter Vickie in California more often. Norma is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Victoria Manchester and Diane Burr (who have her smile), three grandchildren, and her devoted husband, Lou, whom she remarried after many years of divorce. You have never seen two happier people who rediscovered their love. They shared their retirement at their Elkhart farm or Houston condo. There aren't enough words to describe how Norma embraced life and everyone around her. We'll miss you, Norma. You were a hoot! Elaine Maspero & Yvette Perry (Back to Table of Contents) Rita Whatley, 2003 Rita leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Her husband, Bill, and her wonderful two children, Monty and Molly, and that good-looking grandson, Colton. They will carry on her memory. Rita started her career in the mid-'70s and she reported primarily juvenile law. After the retirement of Judge Andel, she began substituting for the district courts. After spending many years doing that, she decided it was time to spend some time with Bill and enjoy a little of life’s pleasures. This included traveling and buying a new house. Many reporters do not know the story about when Rita fought to keep reporters from getting ripped off by unscrupulous attorneys. She took a lot of heat for her fight, even from her fellow reporters, but we all benefited in the end. Rita will always have a special place in my heart for she was one of the forerunners of our profession. She always had a smile on her face and some special something for everyone. She is one of God’s special angels. I ask that you say a little prayer for Rita and for all those “flying fingers” that have gone before her. I am sure with that flaming red hair she stands out among her peers in more ways that one. (Back to Table of Contents) |