Master decorative artist, Norma L. Young Neill, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026 with family and friends by her side at her home. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, 500 W Truman RD, Independence, Missouri, on June 4, 2026 with visitation at 5:00 p.m. and funeral at 6:00 p.m. Burial will follow the next day, June 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Animals Best Friends, PO Box 493, Independence, MO 64051. rescue@animalsbestfriends.org.
Norma was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee, April 3, 1930. The second child of Nezzie West Young and Malcolm Young, who proceeded her in death as did her brothers, Harold and Houston. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1948.
She was married to David R. Neill in 1949. They owned and operated Independence Blacktopping and Construction Company, Inc. until his death in 1985. They raised two children, Thomas David and Linda Lou Colleen.
One of Norma’s proudest achievements was receiving her Master Teacher of Tole and Decorative Artist Award in 1979. She taught painting classes in her home for many years and decorated and restored old trunks. In 1998, she was honored with an invitation to the White House, where an ornament she painted, created in collaboration with fellow members of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, was displayed on a Christmas tree.
Norma was a member of Independence Young Matrons receiving her 50-year pin in 2017. She really loved acting and painting scenery for the children’s theater plays every year for children of Independence School District.
Many people were blessed with her baking, especially pecan pies, fried apple pies and different cookies she brought to friends and family gatherings.
Her generosity to charities were numerous: Salvation Army, Animals Best Friends, DAV and her church, First Baptist of Independence.
Norma was the coordinator of her Sunday school music selections. She loved so much to sing and harmonize! There was no denying who was singing harmony, and at restaurants after we sang Happy Birthday, we would get a round of applause!
Gospel and Bluegrass music were her favorite. Watch out if she heard a rousing bluegrass song. She wouldn’t hesitate to jump up and start flat footin’ or buck dancing. Being very proud of her Tennessee heritage, her down home compassion and compliments to others is a trait she would want to pass on.
Norma was preceded in death by her niece, Joyce Young and nephews, Greg Young and Glenn Neill. She leaves behind 3 sisters in law, Betty Young Simpson, Shirley Andrews and Norma Higgs and 3 generations of nieces and nephews and a great granddaughter, Julianna Hope.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600