Nora Mae Irving

NoraMae was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a auntie, and a friend to many.

She lived her life according to her rules.  Without regret or apology.  Mommy was kind and generous to those who called on her.  She loved possessively and wanted unconditional love from those she loved.  My mother was always there for me and never missed a phone call.  Mommy was a supportive grandmother and affectionate to her granddaughter needs.  She loved her sister Cal and was compassionate about their friendship.  And mother was a telephone call away for her nieces and nephews.

Mommy has broken many hearts on this day because we won’t see her shining face or hear her familiar voice.  Mother attended Beaumont High School.  Making life-long friends, touching lives with her bodacious, vibrant and unforgettable personality.  Relocating to Kansas City, Missouri, year 1980.   Later returning back home to St. Louis, Missouri year 2005.  She loved houseplants.  A hobby we shared.  I will miss our times shopping at local plant stores.  Excited when we find plants we didn’t already have in our collection.  Memories dear to my heart.  Upon her last days she continued to care for her mother’s plant.  Now that plant will be passed to her sister. A priceless treasure. 

Mommy was lively and sassy.  She enjoyed dancing, traveling, thrift store shopping, and watching Cowboy movies.  She had an excellent work ethic. Dependable and hard working.  She was affiliated with Cancer organizations that supported her through her journey such as, Gateway of Hope, Kingdom House and Pink Ribbon Girls.

NoraMae Irving was diagnosed with breast cancer and was taking chemotherapy for five years until the cancer spread to her lungs then her brain.  It was mommy’s choice to end treatment to concentrate on her time with family and friends.  She suffered three months in bed on hospice and transitioned in my arms April 24, 2023, at 11:57p.m. She was 71. Born November 23, 1951.

Mommy will be joining in spirit her beloved mother Katherine Smith and father Herman C. Smith, Sr.  Her aunts CharlieMae Gilmore, Pankie Grant, and WillieMae. And her baby sister missed and never forgotten Lori Smith. 

Mother leaves the following loved ones behind with tears in our eyes and a heavy loss on our hearts.  Daughter NicoleShawnte Tidwell.  Granddaughter Samantha Taylor Pandora Blakley and bun-in-the-oven, great-grandbaby.  Sister Carolyn Taggart and brother-in-law Maurice Taggart Sr. and their children but mother’s nephew Maurice Taggart, Jr. and niece Jammie Taggart.  Also the Taggart’s grandchildren JaMon Spruell, Davon Hester, Tyler (TT) Taggart, Maurice Taggart, III and baby Mackynzi Taggart.  Mother leaves behind a brother Herman C. Smith, Jr. with tender love and care.  Nora’s nieces and nephews, Demetrius Like, Sheamese Like, Brittany Like, Andre Like, Katherine Like, and Keith Like.  Nora’s First and favorite cousins Monalisa Gilmore and sister Delories Brown. Her loyal and best friend Wendy Lewis and family.  A big hug and thank you to mother’s friends at Cambridge Heights Senior Living. And last but not least a special thank you with love to the Greer family, I love you.

Visitation will be held at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home South City Chapel on May 4th, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.