Norma Jean Dunn

Norma Jean Dunn, lovingly known as Dini, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, with her son and daughter by her side. She was born on October 29, 1939, in Raven, Virginia, to Lawrence and Irene Lambert.

Norma will be remembered as a generous and wise woman whose life was centered on the people she loved most. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved children and pets, and carried herself with a thoughtfulness that showed in the way she never wanted to cause extra work for others. She also found comfort and joy in simple pleasures, especially watching her old movies. Among her happiest memories were her family’s annual summer vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, and the visits to Virginia in the fall, when she enjoyed seeing the trees turn beautiful colors.

Her family was the heart of her life, and she leaves behind a circle of loved ones who will carry her memory forward with deep affection. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Heiss, and her son, Christopher Dunn. She is also survived by her sisters, Jamie “Patty” Chaffin and Sandra “Sue” Horn; her son-in-law, Joel Heiss; and her daughters-in-law, Nancy Dunn and Tammy Dunn. Norma’s love extended through the generations to her grandchildren, Valerie Tlaseca, Vivien Hildenbrand, Scott Craft, Emily Miller, Shawn Craft, Renee Reilly, Vanessa Dunn, Stephanie Heiss, Reagan Dunn, Peyton Heiss, and Scarlett Dunn, as well as eight great-grandchildren who brought added joy to her family’s life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Dunn; her sons, Lawrence Craft and Thomas Dunn; her father, Lawrence Lambert; her mother, Irene Lambert; her brother, Gary “Buddy” Lambert; and her sisters, Tommie Baldwin, Judith Griffitts, and Rebecca Pennington.

Norma’s life was marked by love, warmth, humor, and devotion to family. The memories she created—in everyday kindness, in shared laughter, in cherished family trips, and in quiet moments spent with those she loved—will remain a lasting gift to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 am with a luncheon to follow at First Baptist Church of Elkton, located at 607 Delaware Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921.  Family and friends are invited to come. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Harford Baptist Church (Mailing Address: 4008 Old Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084)