Norma Jean Chambers

Norma Jean Watkins Chambers was called home to her eternal reward on May 1, 2026. She was born on June 27, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, the fourth of four daughters born to James Clarence Watkins and Tommie Ruth Ashford Watkins.

Norma attended Fayette County Schools, and remained a lifelong resident of Moscow, Tennessee. After graduating high school in 1958, she pursued her passion and attended Plaza Beauty School in Memphis, becoming a licensed hair stylist. She was employed brieflyin Memphis before returning to Moscow.

On May 7, 1959, Norma married her high school sweetheart, Alfred (Shirley) Chambers of Somerville, Tennessee. After living in Memphis, the couple settled in Moscow, where they built their forever home. Norma dedicated over 30 years to serving her community as a hair stylist, operating a salon from her home before retiring.

Norma was a faithful and active member of the Somerville Church of Christ. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, tending to her garden, canning fresh vegetables, potting flowers, and enjoying birds. Her greatest joy came from time she shared with her grandchildren, Britt and Brittany, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Tommie Watkins and her sisters, Bernice Brewer, Margaret Adair, and Freddie Connor Graves. Norma is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 66 years, Alfred (Shirley) Chambers, just days away from what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary; her daughters, Vicky Gamber and Donna Morris (Robert); her grandchildren, Britt Gamber (Brinley) and Brittany Smelcer; her nieces, Patricia Lackey, Beverly Brewer, Teresa Waller, Judy Hampton, Jeanne DeLongand Maria Janes; her nephews, Billy Adair, Dwight Brewer, James Chambers Jr., Calvin Chambers Jr., and Nick Baucom.; (predeceased nephew Randy Anderson) as well as a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services for Mrs. Chambers will be held at the Somerville Church of Christ on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service. Interment will follow at Somerville City Cemetery.