Norma Joan Black Smith finished her earthly journey on October 1, 2022, at her home in Fonda, Oklahoma at the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 20 days.  Norma or "Taa'évena'hané'e" which was her Cheyenne name meaning "Night Killer", began her life on April 11, 1935, when she was born to parents Dana and Mary "May" (Debrae) Black in Fonda, Oklahoma.  Norma was blessed to be a part of a large family with 7 brothers and sisters.  Her family spent her early years in Fonda, Clinton, and Seiling.  Norma attended grade school at the Pumpkin Ridge school and later earned her GED.

On October 19, 1955, Norma was united in marriage to Melvin Lee Smith in Hugoton, Kansas.  The couple made their home in Seiling, Oklahoma and in 1973, they moved to Fonda where they have lived since.  Melvin and Norma were blessed with five children, Verda, Richard, Patricia, Marilyn, and Carolyn.

Norma or Tiny as she was affectionately called, was baptized into the Christian faith in 1954 at the Mennonite Indian Church. She was a member of the Seiling Indian Mennonite Church, and she attended the First Baptist Church in Seiling.

Norma was a Community Health Representative for the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe, which was a job she enjoyed and excelled at.  She received the CHR of the Year award. She also received an award for the Texas Trail of Freedom honoring decedents of Black Kettle.  Norma loved children and was a long-time teachers aid with the kindergarten class at Seiling Public Schools.  Norma also served as a volunteer during the Murrah Building bombing search and rescue in Oklahoma City.  She volunteered to feed the other volunteers during this difficult time.  Norma never hesitated to give of her time and talents to help others.

Norma loved to travel and see new and old destinations.  She also loved her family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin, her parents, Dana and May Black, and son Richard Smith. As Norma was the last sibling to pass, her sisters and brothers that have preceded her in death are Elizabeth Bull, Alice Littleman, Rita Black, Mary Little Coyote, Marvin Black, Norma Buffalomeat, and Larry Black.

She is survived by her children Verda Weston of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Patricia Hewitt, Marilyn Morton, and Carolyn Smith all of Woodward, Oklahoma. Others left to cherish her memory our 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.