Norma Jane Avant, age 77 passed away November 5, 2010 in Arcadia, FL. Norma was born August 20, 1933 in Arcadia, FL. She was a homemaker. She owned and operated a children s nursery in Arcadia for more than 25 years. Norma was a graduate of DeSoto County High School, class of 1951. Norma loved children and spending quality time with her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would take her children to the lake and to the beach when they were young. She also enjoyed sewing. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcadia, where she worked in the nursery for many years. Survivors are her beloved husband, William Robert Bob Avant, Arcadia, a son Robert Alan Bobby Avant, Arcadia, three daughters; Janice Lynn Avant, Arcadia, Gloria Jean Jeannie (David) Mackey, Sebring, FL, and Jo Ann Leigh (Jim) Byrd, of Lake Placid, FL. a sister; Rosa Deriso, Arcadia, seven grandchildren; Jessica, Aaron, Michael, Robbie, Amy, Timmy, and Chrissy, seven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; Henry Grady and Cleo Beasley Goolsby, two sisters; Jean Latimer and Zona McCorqudale and a brother Henry Goolsby. Visitation will be from 6:00PM until 8:00PM, Monday, November 8, 2010 from Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home chapel, 50 No. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, FL. Funeral services will be at 2:00PM, Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Richard Englert officiating. Burial will be in Joshua Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.