Norma Willingham Schaffer

Norma Willingham Schaffer Norma Willingham Schaffer, 79, of Abilene, Texas, passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 at 10:45 PM, while at her home in Abilene. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, February 24, 2014 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas 79606. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 South Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Texas 79605, with Rev. Stan Allcorn, Bro. Jack Ridlehoover, and Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. Norma Willingham Schaffer was born in Abilene, Texas on December 12, 1934. She finished third in her class at Abilene High School in 1953. She graduated from Baylor University in November 1956 with a degree in math. Following her graduation, she became a flight attendant with T.W.A. During this time, she was based in Kansas City, MO. and flew domestic flights, with layovers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and New York City. Then she transferred to international flights and was based in New York City, with layovers in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Lisbon, and Montreal. In 1962 she returned to Abilene and taught math at Mann Junior High School. Her parents, Nell and Alton Willingham, were relieved that she had not married a “Yankee” while living in New York City. But soon she had a blind date with a physician based at Dyess Air Force Base. He was from New York City. After dating for two years, they married and moved to “The Big Apple,” where Dr. Schaffer was on the staff of Mt. Sinai Hospital as a Pediatrician. In time, he decided daily living was easier in Texas and accepted the invitation to return to Abilene to practice. Over the next six years, they had three children. In addition to being a homemaker, Norma was active as a volunteer. She served on the boards of Hardin- Simmons University, Junior League of Abilene, TJH Medical Alliance, Medical Foundation, YMCA, United Way of Abilene, A.C.T., Abilene Philharmonic, Hope Haven and was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout leader. She taught both teenage girls’ Sunday School and Adult Sunday School at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. She and Dr. Schaffer hosted Cousins’ Camp each Summer for their six grandchildren. Fortunately, her husband also loved to travel, and they visited Africa, China, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and the Amazon, as well as England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Mrs. Schaffer was predeceased in death by her loving husband, Dr. Herman Schaffer, her parents, Nell and Alton Willingham, and by her brother, Bob Willingham. Her survivors include son Andrew Schaffer and wife Elizabeth, and their children, Lydia and Lila; son Jeff Schaffer and wife Jenene, and their children Jessica and Jenna; and daughter Susan Schaffer Roberts and husband Jay, and their children Molly and George. Pallbearers will be the six grandchildren: Lydia Schaffer, Lila Schaffer, Molly Roberts, Jessica Schaffer, George Roberts, and Jenna Schaffer. Memorials may be given to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 South Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Texas, 79605, Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 903, Abilene, Texas 79604, or the donor’s favorite charity.