Norma Jean Thompson Bila, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 5, 1932, in Friday, to Henry Steve Thompson and Pearl Ozetta (Friday) Thompson, and her life was a testament to love, kindness, and resilience.
Norma worked for a few years with the CIA where she had to have a high security clearance. She enjoyed the thrill of getting to be a part of such a unique profession. She was a dedicated homemaker, known for the compassionate care that she provided for her family. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, making ceramics and found joy in helping to be a caregiver for her special-needs grandson, spending time with her family, traveling, going boating and fishing. She also enjoyed just rocking on her porch and spending time with God. Her unwavering faith and compassion touched everyone she met, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity.
Norma married Charles W. Bila on July 16, 1951, in Houston, and together they built a loving home, raising their children with care and devotion. She was a pillar of strength and always had an open door, offering advice, support, or simply a warm meal to anyone in need. She was a lifetime member of Friday Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years in 2019, Charles W. Bila; parents, Henry and Pearl Thompson; daughter, Linda Bila; brother, Joseph M. Thompson, and sister-in-law, Helen; brother, Cecil Thompson; sister, Nina Sanders, and brother-in-law, Truman; brother, Murphy H. Thompson, and sister-in-law, Nell; brother, Jap Thompson; brother, Melvin H. Thompson; sister, Erabelle Susie Coull, and brother-in-law, Chuck; and brother, Robert S. Thompson. Norma is survived by her children, son, Charles R. Bila “Randy” and wife, Liz, of Leander; daughter, Sandra Tidmore, and Bob Hupp, of Groveton; son, Bryan Bila, and wife, Dena, of Houston; son, Andrew Bila, and wife, Lyndsay, of Cedar Park; grandchildren, Joshua Tidmore, and wife, Tomi, Michael Tidmore, Austin Bila, Sarah Renfrow, and husband, Sam; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Wyatt, Jayce, Ella Jean, Charli Rae; sisters-in-law, Betty Thompson and Shirley Thompson; and numerous other relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., at Groveton Funeral Home with Trevor Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at Zion Hill Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Friday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m. at Groveton Funeral Home.
Norma Jean Thompson Bila will be remembered for her kind heart, radiant smile, and the love she gave so freely. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her. 457
