Norma Lee Rabun

July 8, 1930 – March 19, 2021

Norma Lee Rabun (ne'e Middlebrooks, McAlpin) passed away on Friday, March 19th , 2021, at the age of 90.  She was born on July 8, 1930 to Goldman L. and Zannie Mae Middlebrooks in Bastrop, Louisiana.  Norma was the eldest of six children.  She was preceded in death by brothers G.L., Jerry and J.W. (Bud); husbands Richard E. McAlpin Sr. and Joe Frank Rabun.  Norma is survived by her beloved sisters, Belle Dalton and Clarice (Cres) Lammey, who reside in Texas; dear sisters-in-law Beth Middlebrooks of Shreveport, Louisiana and Doris McAlpin of Gulfport, Mississippi.

Norma moved back to Albuquerque in 2005 to be closer to family.  She is survived by son Richard (wife Rita) McAlpin and daughter, Joanie (husband Bob) Thorn.  Norma has four grandchildren; Alyssa and April McAlpin, Danielle Hickman and Ian Vandermey.  She has six great-grandchildren; Aubrianna and Gabriel Suriel, Malakai McAlpin and Owen, Piper and Annika Vandermey.  Norma has many nieces and nephews as well.

Norma was a shy person by nature but warm, kind and loving with the stubbornness of an Army mule, a trait that runs in the family.  Even at age 90, she had an excellent memory.  As a young woman, she was strikingly beautiful.  Her career as a secretary took her down many interesting paths.  She worked as a secretary at Barksdale Air Force Base in the mid 50's with husband Richard who was a mechanical technician, then for Ed Black's Chevrolet in Albuquerque for many years in the late 60s and 70's.  She later worked as Executive Secretary for the head of the newly built Malibu campus of Pepperdine University.  Many years after she moved back to Bastrop, Louisiana where she worked for the VA until age 75.  She was very highly thought of by former bosses and co-workers alike and had several offers to return to former places of employment.  She inherited and passed on a great work ethic.

Norma loved listening to gospel music.  When macular degeneration took her vision and severe osteoporosis left her mostly bedridden, she spent her time listening to gospel music and the sermons of Skip Heitzig of Calvary Church.  She loved the Lord with all her heart and was looking forward to leaving the pain and this earthly plane behind.  Her granddaughter, Alyssa (a CNA) and her daughter-in-law, Rita provided round the clock care for her during the last eight years of her life. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely and she is sorely missed.

Norma was cremated in March and her ashes interred in the family plot in Bastrop, Louisiana in April.  Anyone wishing to make a donation in her name should consider the American Cancer Society, the Animal Humane Association, Wounded Warriors or any organization supporting the research and treatment of macular degeneration or osteoporosis.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 420 San Lorenzo Ave NW,

Albuquerque, NM 87107, on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

Norma Memorial Photo Montage
https://youtu.be/oIjEpbnflvI

Norma Memorial Service
https://youtu.be/LX1N2HkmSpM