Norma Louise (O'Quinn) Poppell

Norma Louise O’Quinn Poppell, 87, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia at Harborview Health System Jesup after a lengthy battle of Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Body Dementia.

A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, Norma was born on October 7, 1938, in Jesup, Georgia, at the Colvin-Ritch Hospital (now, Wayne Memorial Hospital), the first of two children, to the late William Volney O’Quinn and Emma Mae Cameron O’Quinn. Norma was raised on the O’Quinn family farm dating from the early 1800’s, in the Friendship Baptist Church community near the Wayne County and Appling County Line, Odum, Georgia. She attended the Piney Grove Elementary School in the Piney Grove Community of Odum; was a 1956 graduate of Jesup High School, Jesup, Georgia; and attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Norma was married to her husband, Herbert Leonard Poppell, for 58 years, until his death in 2018. In addition to her husband and parents, Norma was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Robie Poppell, and her mother-in-law, Doris Ridgdill Poppell.  Norma was a dedicated and much-loved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and daughter-in-law.
Norma worked for several years with the Wayne County School System in administrative and substitute teacher positions until 1966 when her husband, purchased the old Pearce’s Drug and Hardware in Odum. Jointly, they operated the newly formed business, Poppell’s Hardware Store and later, Poppell’s Hardware and Amoco, for over thirty years, until its closure in the late 1990’s. Afterwards, Norma again served as substitute teacher and a Wayne County election poll worker for several years before her retirement.  Norma was a dedicated and active member of Odum Baptist Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed working in her flowers, taking care of her cats, spending time with her husband at the farm, and spending time with her family.  Most of all, Norma was an exemplary mother.  She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family.

Norma is survived by her loving son, Ralph Edward Poppell of Atlanta, Georgia and Odum, Georgia; her brother, Pete O’Quinn of Jesup, Georgia; her niece, Angie O’Quinn of Jesup, Georgia; and her special cousin-in-law, Linda Poppell Smith and husband G. R. Smith of Savannah, Georgia and Odum, Georgia. Many other cousins and extended family members also survive.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Norma’s dedicated team of caregivers, especially Ms. Ellen Dorminey and Ms. Barbara Burkhalter,  who provided companionship, comfort, and care during her lengthy illness.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Jeff Chandler officiating.

Interment will follow in Odum City Cemetery with lunch and a reception of friends following immediately afterwards at Odum Baptist Church, Odum Georgia.

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