Norma Gail Watson was born on July 29, 1942, to Woodrow and Katharine Watson in Purcell, Okla. As an only child, she enjoyed time with her parents and extended family, living near her grandmother’s farm in early years, and moving to town as she neared secondary school. Norma was an excellent student and talented musician. After graduating from Purcell High School in 1960, she went on to study German at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., graduating in 1964.
Prior to her college graduation she wed her long-time friend, Don Abrams, surrounded by friends and family in Purcell, Okla. That next year she obtained her teaching certificate from the State of Oklahoma and started her teaching career at Carl Albert High School teaching English. Soon after, she joined Don in Germany where she served as a United States Army wife during the Vietnam War. Her time living in Germany was one of her most cherished adventures, where she was able to enjoy using her German language skills, meeting friends from across the world, and traveling throughout Europe.
She later joined Don as his career took him to Buenos Aires, Argentina and often spoke fondly of the excitement of living abroad. Upon returning to the U.S., Norma took a position teaching German at Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Okla., where she led the Bombers to win state language arts championships in German.
Her most favorite adventure started in Edmond, Okla., with the arrival of their first daughter, Lara. When Lara arrived, Norma began dedicating her life to her children, as they later welcomed daughter, Erica. In the early 1980s, the family finally settled in Spring, Texas, in what would be her forever home in Northampton.
Norma devoted her time and energy to her family, with countless hours spent at band/orchestra events and gymnastics classes. She loved spending time in the garden, playing tennis, cooking both German and American foods, sharing time with friends, hosting holiday celebrations with family, singing in the church choir, and traveling.
Once her children had been raised, Norma became certified as a teacher in the State of Texas and returned to teaching at Hildebrandt Intermediate School, Schindewolf Intermediate School, and finally Klein Oak High School, where she taught German until retirement in 2010. Norma would also become a beloved grandmother, donning the name “Omi” as she welcomed her first grandson, Mitchell, in 2009, and her second grandson, Barrett, in 2016.
Norma was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her eldest daughter, Lara Gwinn; grandson, Mitchell Gwinn; her youngest daughter, Erica Perryman; son-in-law, Cole Perryman, and grandson, Barrett Perryman.
A memorial celebration was held on June 20, 2020 at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church in Spring, Texas. She is laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell next to her parents. A graveside memorial was held on November, 23, 2020.
