Norma Jean Vibert

Norma Jean Vibert, 89, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in her hometown. Born on July 20, 1936, in Louisville to Vernon and Alice Armes, Norma lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and an unwavering dedication to others.

Norma was a proud and devoted long-time employee of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), where she found great fulfillment in caring for those in need. After many years of service, her calling to help others continued as she opened her own home, creating a “Mini Home Operation.” There, she welcomed and cared for many, offering comfort, kindness, and a safe place to those who needed it most. She took immense pride in being a caregiver and made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Family meant everything to Norma. She especially cherished gatherings during the Christmas season—her favorite time of year—when the warmth of togetherness, the glow of beautiful lights, and the joy of celebration filled her heart. These moments created memories her family will hold dear forever.

Norma deeply treasured the time she spent with her adult children and the many memories they created together. Her memories with them included trips in the 18-wheeler, breakfast at Steak ’n Shake, attending a Tanya Tucker concert at Renfro Valley, enjoying meals from Little Caesars and Cracker Barrel, and sharing Dr Pepper together. Norma had a deep love for music and dancing. She was especially fond of Alan Jackson, but she truly enjoyed all kinds of live music and never passed up the chance to attend a concert. She also found joy in attending concerts at her local park, where music brought her happiness time and time again.

Known for her strong will and vibrant personality, Norma was lively, outspoken, and at times a little feisty—but always full of heart. She faced life with courage and determination. Even while using a wheelchair, she remained adventurous, often venturing into town and exploring wooden paths without fear, embodying resilience and bravery.

Norma Jean Vibert was truly a force to be reckoned with—a woman of strength, love, and boundless spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her legacy of care, courage, and compassion will live on in the many lives she touched.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Lewis Armes and Alice Louise Watson Armes; and brother, Johnny Armes.

Left to cherish her memory, Norma is survived by her 5 children, Douglas Vibert, Richard Vibert, Ronnie Vibert, Deborah “Peaches” Collins, and John Vibert; 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Our Mom

She could be generous; I remember how important it was for her to buy or make everyone a Christmas present every year. I think she gave our kids transistor radios every year for years. Even though they really didn't know or understand how to use one. It's the thought that counts. She embroidered pillow cases that were very pretty for all of her kids. I also remember her not sharing her chocolate candy with our kids but saying here have this candy, it's not my favorite. I remember her asking me to buy something for her because she wanted to give it to someone else. She could be a sweet spirit.

She had a sense of humor. I bet we all remember her big car, a Lincoln maybe, that she outgrew with her size and the bumper sticker on the back that read "Want to lose weight? Ask me how." I remember conversations where she would often tell how good a cook she was. It must have been a skill she developed later in her life. Our Mom was responsible for me putting ketchup on nearly everything long into my adult life. She is also the reason I don't eat at any place called "Mom's Home Cooking" or that advertises just like you Mother made it. There were far too many banquet dinners, mystery meats in a plastic bag with gravy, just boil and serve, as we were growing up. Does anyone remember Mom's first turkey where she forgot to remove the bag of whatever it is from both ends before cooking the turkey? (I tried to cook several things from Badmom recipes and she always left out some ingredients in the recipe so maybe Badmom didn't tell her to do it?)

On the plus side she made great Christmas cookies when we were growing up, boxes of them right after Thanksgiving. The goal was to make them last to Christmas. They were really good for a week or so. Then they were edible if dipped in milk a week or so after that. Then they were just hard. Best use by this time was skipping them on water!

I admired the fact that Mom never let the complete truth get in the way of telling a good story. (A trait she may have passed on to at least one of her children, maybe more.) I do know as I get older that some stories become that's the way I remember it versus maybe the way it really happen? So maybe we all inherited a little bit of this from Mom.

Mom could be a bit vane. She would say I don't need a "hearing aid" when she completely didn't hear anything we were talking about. Maybe she had a listening problem? I remember our weekly phone calls for most of my adult life since we left Birmingham in the early 80's. She used to be able to get on a topic she wanted to tell me about and talk for a while. I may or may not have occasionally put down the "corded" phone receiver went and did something and came back without her knowing I was ever gone.

This past Christmas Sue and I made Mom a photo album, actually two. It included some really old photos from the 1940's and the 1950's. John was with me when I gave her the albums. It was amazing as she talked for a couple of hours about these photos telling us where they were taken, the story around the photo, who was in it and more. It was a magical afternoon as at least for this short time the fog was lifted and she knew everything. It was the next to last time I saw her in person.

Love you Mom, rest in peace.