Norma Wilkinson Brookins Schwaderer, 87, passed away gently at dawn on June 9, 2017, just as the birds started singing outside her window.  She leaves behind her husband of 17 years, James Schwaderer; son Gary Brookins (Janet) of Richmond, Virginia; grandsons Matthew Brookins (Nicki) of Lexington Park, Maryland; Timothy Brookins (Mary Mac) of Houston, Texas; David Brookins and John Brookins, both of Richmond, Virginia; and three great-grandchildren, Adam, Ryan and Caitlin Brookins of Houston. She was predeceased by her first husband, Donnell Brookins; daughter Pamela Brookins; parents Eula and N. O. Wilkinson, Sr.; brother N. O. "Foots" Wilkinson; sister Eula Bell Bolkcom.  She also is survived by her brothers Roy "Snuffy" Wilkinson (Ruth Ellen) of Atlanta, Georgia; Ed "Slug" Wilkinson (Theresa) of McDonough, Georgia; her sister, Cynthia Wilkinson of Conyers, Georgia; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Norma was born in Corpus Christi, Texas at the start of the Great Depression. After living in Houston, Texas; Columbus, Georgia; and Miami, the family settled in Panama City, where she graduated from Bay High School.  Soon after, while working at Thompson Appliance Store, she sold some records to a young, red-headed radio announcer from WDLP, Donnell Brookins, with whom she later eloped to New Orleans.  After spending several years at home raising a family, she went to work at Commercial Bank and then the Bay County Tax Collector's Office.

Several years after Donnell's death, she met a charming Indiana Hoosier, Jim Schwaderer,  at church. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and spent many years traveling the world and enjoying their retirement.

Norma loved God, her family and dear friends, Jan Karon's "Mitford" books, fried shrimp, a good cup of coffee and chocolate pie. We will miss her loving spirit and her quirky sense of humor, but we rejoice in knowing she is now healed and at home in Heaven.  Gone from our sight but not from our hearts.

The family wishes to thank Covenant Care Hospice and their wonderful caregivers for their kind and tender care and her church family for their constant support.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Wilson Funeral Home,  214 Airport Road at 11 a.m.,  preceded by visitation with the family at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers,  the family suggests a donation to Covenant Care,  107 W. 19th St., Panama City, Fl. 32401 or St. Andrew Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 3010 W. 15th St., Panama City, Fl. 32401