Norma Iris Behymer

Norma Iris Behymer (Cruz)

Norma Iris Behymer, age 83, of Abingdon, VA, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 13, 2025 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico on December 4, 1942 to Hilario Cruz and Florence Quetel. She was the 3rd of 7 children. Her siblings included: Juan Cruz (Betty-deceased), Aida Cruz, Thomas Cruz-deceased (Ivette), Flor Laureano-Cruz (David), Edwin Cruz (Norma-deceased) and Nilsa Santos-Cruz (Angel-deceased). Norma lived a life of grace, faith, and charity.

Norma’s legacy was unconditional love. Her greatest joy was serving God and others, especially her family. She lived a life of faithful service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 54 years. She had a God-given gift for teaching and humbly devoted her life to guiding and inspiring others-touching the hearts of countless adults, teenagers, and children with wisdom and grace.

Norma met Charles Behymer while he was stationed at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. Their love story led to a beautiful union on June 2, 1962, when they were married in a double wedding alongside her sister Aida and her husband. Their home was a place of prayer, laughter, and warmth-a reflection of her deep faith and spirit.

Norma is survived by her husband Charles Behymer; her children, Ann Woody (Robert), Cindy Behymer, Richard Behymer (Joy), Jackie Smith (Jake), and chosen daughter-Cathey Ellsworth (Glen); her grandchildren, Charles Anthony Woody-deceased, Jill Woody, Jessie Biedermann, Daryl Woody (Laura), Austin Ellsworth, Jade Rasnake, Iris Smith, Camden Smith, Garrett Smith, and Benson Smith; her great-grandchildren, Aydan Biedermann, Brendan Biedermann, Charlie Woody, Mikayla Woody, Evelyn Woody, Sadie Woody, Lily Woody, C.J. Woody, and Atleigh Woody.

Family and friends may pay their respects during the viewing on Friday December 19, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Farris Funeral Service, 427 E Main St. Abingdon, VA 24210. A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on Saturday December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 13 Heritage Dr. Bristol, VA 24201 with a graveside service immediately following the funeral at Knollkreg Cemetery in Abingdon, VA. Pallbearers include: Richard Behymer, Robert Woody, Jake Smith, Daryl Woody, Brendan Biedermann, and Charlie Woody.

She will be deeply missed on this earth. Norma loved with her whole heart and carried a spirit larger than life. Today, Heaven rejoices as she continues her work beyond the veil, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and grace. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

The family of Norma Iris Behymer is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service.