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It’s been said that fabric doesn’t make exquisite dresses, it is the stitches. Norma Faye Nave Baumgardner worked for many years as a seamstress at Quick Cleaners in Elizabethton. It was her calling, and she answered it well.
Kiby Taylor, who was Norma’s boss at Quick Cleaners and her special friend, shared: “Norma was very good at what she did. It was her way of helping others and extending the life of a garment. Whether it was sewing a button on, mending a tear, or hemming a pair of pants, it was her way of helping others. Norma took pride in her work and was very talented. She seldom missed a day of work.”
Norma didn’t have a title, except for wife and mother, but she took her job seriously and gave it her best. In her case, sewing mended the soul.
Norma Faye Baumgardner died March 18 at Sycamore Shoals Hospital at the age of 80. She was the mother of two daughters — Martha and Mary — and a son, Timothy. Additionally, she had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Benny Baumgardner.
As a seamstress, she sewed for her family, making dresses for her girls, curtains for her house, etc. A church friend from East Fairview Free Will noted that Norma was a good cook and loved her family. “What I remember about Norma was her faith. She loved the Lord. She didn’t have much in this life as far as worldly goods, but she was rich in love for the Lord,” the friend shared.
Just as Norma was devoted to her work, she was a devoted wife, mother and Christian. She attended East Fairview Free Will Baptist Church and Milligan Free Will Baptist Church, where a friend described her as “faithful to the Lord. She didn’t have much in this world, but she was the richest person I know. What she did have she cherished, and that was her family, her work, and her love for the Lord. What more could you ask for?” asked the pastor friend, who described her as a humble, caring person.
Carol Myers, in a tribute to Norma on the funeral home website, shared: “Norma was my best friend. We shared many long talks, laughter and memories. She was a wonderful person with a heart of gold.”
A granddaughter wrote: “You are one of the greatest blessings in my life.”
Most go through life without making a splash, but deep in the heart of many people they left a footprint. Most never make a lot of money nor become famous, but work at a lowly trade. But in the eyes of the Lord, they have given their all.
Norma was laid to rest March 22 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. There will be no mending of clothing in heaven, but oftentimes sewing mended the spirit of Norma Faye Baumgardner, whose sewing machine is now stilled and her sewing basket of needle and thread closed.
Norma Baumgardner would be the first to say: Your work is important to someone, no matter how humble and lowly it may be. Take it seriously and do it well.