Norma Cearlock, age 86, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on January 9, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
She was born December 23, 1939, in Hillsboro, Illinois, the daughter of John “Nonni” and Genevieve Reck. Norma grew up in Coalton, Illinois, and attended school in Nokomis. On September 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, Jerry Cearlock, and they shared 45 years of marriage. Norma worked for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for 28 years before retiring. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville.
Norma will be lovingly remembered for her generous heart and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored—whether she was babysitting, taking them to events, or supporting them in any way she could. Norma had a deep love for the simple pleasures of life, spending time working in her yard, tending to flowers, and happily riding her John Deere garden tractor. She treated her neighbors and friends as family, always ready with kindness, a helping hand, or a thoughtful gesture. From folding laundry to quietly caring for others, Norma’s life was a beautiful reflection of selflessness, love, and grace.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeri (husband Cliff) Frye and Carla (husband Brad) Tippitt; grandchildren Lauren (husband Blake) Gilbert of Riverton, Jared (wife Regan) Frye of Taylorville, Ellison Tippitt and Tucker Tippitt of Taylorville; great-grandchildren Rowen Gilbert and Holland Gilbert; her brother, Raymond (wife Norma) Reck; nephew Curt Reck; and niece Michelle Reeves. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jerry.
A memorial mass for Norma will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Fr. John Burnette officiating. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Nokomis. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
