Norma Smith

SMITH, NORMA BARTON
Norma Barton Smith, 94, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on February 6, 2026, from causes incident to age, at E.T. York Haven Hospice. She left this life peacefully surrounded by her family and friends.

Norma Nell Barton was born on May 3, 1931, in Greenville, UT, to Hazle Blackett and Jesse Barton. As a young girl, Norma enjoyed singing, dancing, acting in plays and playing music with her brother Keith. She excelled in school and served as the editor of her high school paper.

Norma married Rex Lanel Smith of Beaver, UT, on July 20, 1949, in the Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For the next 10 years, the young couple made their home in Beaver. Rex partnered with his father in a cattle raising operation, and Norma provided for the family through gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting – necessary skills that later became beloved hobbies. Norma and Rex became the parents of four children: Bonnie Pomeroy, Deanna Davis, Bradley (Mary Park), and Kathleen Self (Greg Self).

In March of 1960 the decision was made to leave the ranch to continue Rex's education, which took the family from Utah to Iowa and Arkansas. The family finally settled in Gainesville, FL, in 1968 when Rex joined the faculty in the University of Florida Department of Agronomy. Norma served as the president of the Agricultural Women’s Club, an organization of female faculty members and wives of male faculty members at UF.

Norma was a dedicated church member and leader throughout her life. She served the church in many capacities, including as a member of the choir, a teacher and president of the Gainesville Stake Relief Society. She was employed as the secretary at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Institute of Religion from 1973 until 1995.

After raising her children, Norma attended the University of Florida, graduating with high honors in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications. She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Tau Alpha honors societies.

Norma was passionate about family history and genealogy. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry and stories and had a lifelong love of theater and music. After retiring, Norma ushered at the UF Center for Performing Arts, the Hippodrome Theater and the Gainesville Community Playhouse, allowing her to see many performances by local and world-famous performers.

Most of all, Norma dearly loved her family, her husband and children, her nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S Main St, Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm preceded by a viewing at 12:00 pm.