October 29, 2004
Norma Belle Smythe was born on August 26, 1919, in Chivington, Colorado, to Trenton and Leona Abrams. Belle graduated from the Colorado Teachers College and taught school in a one room school house for several years prior to marrying Jay W. Smythe in July of 1945. In 1954, Belle and her family moved to Pomona, California, where she went to work for Sears Robuck and Company in the credit department. She worked for Sears until her retirement in 1982. Belle was stricken with Parkinson's disease in 1984, and fought a brave battle until her death on October 20, 2004. Belle had one daughter, Sandra Kay, and she devoted her life to her daughter and her grandchildren. She was the type of mother all children should be fortunate to have. During her long illness, she never lost her sense of humor or ever said an unkind word to those around her.
She took great delight in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved hearing about their latest accomplishments and was always there to support them in all their endeavors.
Belle is survived by her daughter, Sandra Kay Dickerson of Lewiston, Idaho; her grandchildren: Paul Jay Landau of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Roxanne Marie Watson of Claremont, California; and Dustin Dickerson of Lewiston, Idaho; her great grandchildren; Michael Paul Landau and Nicole Yvonne Landau of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Ciara Jaye Watson of Claremont, California; two sisters: Jean Warden of Lakin, Kansas and Alice Jane Blythe of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Belle was preceded in death by her husband, Jay W. Smythe, and two sisters: Valentine Holton and Ethyl Kaider, and both parents, Trenton and Leona Abrams.
Belle lived her life with grace and dignity and she will be forever missed and always remembered by those who knew and loved her.
Services were held at Pomona Valley Memorial Park, Pomona, California, on Tuesday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. Todd Memorial Chapel, Pomona, California was in charge of arrangements.