Norma Jean Smith, age 54, passed away peacefully at her residence in Little Snowbird surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 20, 1968 in Swain County, N.C., to Tom and Jeanette Teesateskie.
She worked for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino as a gaming technician for over 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren – but Riley was her world.
Norma is survived by her sons, Bobby Smith of Little Snowbird and Tommy Teesateskie (Sarah) of Cherokee, N.C.; daughters, Precious Maney and Riley Teesateskie of the home, and Fashia Teesateskie and Jill Swayney, both of Little Snowbird; grandchildren, Dayton Wilnoty, Lorenzo Wilnoty, Jr., Levi and Lane, Liam Teesateskie, and Lylah Belle Crowe; sisters, Christina McCoy (Steve) of Marble, N.C. Donna Sue McCracken (Lonnie) of Stecoah, N.C. and Blanche Teesateskie of Cherokee, N.C.
In addition, she is survived by her mother-in-law, Lucille Smith of Cherokee, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews, which she loved dearly.
She is preceded in death by her husband James “Eddie” Smith; daughter, Felica “Belle” Smith; parents, Tom and Jeanette Teesateskie; brothers, Ronnie Teesateskie, Steve Teesateskie and Patrick Teesateskie; and her sister, Barbara Owl.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Zion Hill Baptist Church. The Rev. Ernie Stiles officiated, with burial at Taylor Family Cemetery in Cherokee, N.C. James Teesateskie, Keith Logan, Robbie Teesateskie, Tommy Teesateskie, Logan Teesateskie, Adam Wachacha and Zane Wachacha served as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 6 p.m. – midnight Saturday, at Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City was in charge of all arrangements.