Norma Jean Sherouse Basford

Norma Jean Sherouse Basford passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the age of 89.

Norma was born on March 15, 1937, in Micanopy, Florida, the youngest of six children born to Collie and Bertha Sherouse. She graduated from P.K. Yonge High School in 1955 and was later honored by the school as an Outstanding Alumnus. She continued her education at Emory University, where she was an English major and a charter member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She graduated with the Class of 1959.

Following graduation, Norma taught sixth grade at John Stockton Elementary School for two years. While attending Emory, she met the love of her life, Hayes Basford. They were married in 1959 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and shared 66 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, faith, service, and community. Norma was deeply devoted to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Over the years, she taught Sunday school, served as a chalice bearer, and led a Bible study for mothers of young children for 10 years. She was also a longtime leader with Women’s Bible Study Fellowship. When St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School was formed in 1971, Norma became one of its most active and dedicated supporters. Her commitment to helping others extended throughout the Jacksonville community. In the early 1980s, she was among the original organizers of Greater Jacksonville Families in Action, an organization that supported families affected by drug abuse. In the 2000s, she became a driving force in revitalizing the Jacksonville chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, commonly known as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She served as an active administrator for nearly a decade, offering leadership, compassion, and hope to individuals and families facing the challenges of mental illness.

Norma lived her life with energy and enthusiasm. She loved playing tennis as a member of the ladies’ A-Team at Timuquana Country Club. She also treasured countless family vacations spent at the beach, relaxing at the lake, or snow skiing in the mountains. Those trips created memories that her family will carry with them always. Norma will be remembered for her strong faith, her devotion to her family, her gift for leadership, and her tireless commitment to serving others. She had a remarkable ability to recognize a need and then devote herself fully to meeting it. Her influence can be seen in the church, schools, organizations, and lives she helped strengthen throughout the years.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Hayes Basford; her sons, Brett Basford (wife Joyce) and Matt Basford; her grandchildren, Jace, Brenna, and Mason; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Basford.  Norma’s life was one of faith in action, generous service, enduring love, and devotion to the people and causes closest to her heart. Her legacy will live on through her family and through the many lives she touched.

Please contact the family for details on the upcoming service they are holding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAMI of Jacksonville, FL (click here) or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (click here).

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Basford family.