It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Leigh “Cozby” Dooley, a vibrant, talented, and deeply loved woman, who left us to join the choir of angels on June 24, 2023. Born in Roswell, NM on June 17, 1953, Norma was a remarkable woman—talented, vivacious, witty, upbeat, loving, tremendously generous, with an infectious laugh and sense of humor that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Norma was predeceased by her father, James Laster Cozby (1920-1970), her mother, Myrtle Ernestine Lindley (1920-1983), her sister, Carolyn Maxine Thomas (1943-2004) and her brother, William Edgar "Eddy" Cogburn (1940-2018).

Norma is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Tim Dooley. They met standing next to each other at the registration table as they both began graduate school at ENMU in 1983. The director of the music department introduced them, after which they went to lunch and became instant friends. They had the opportunity to perform together on numerous occasions, recitals, concerts, church services, etc. Besides making wonderful music together they had a love for travel, visiting friends and family all around the country as often as they could.

Norma is also survived by her dear sister Marie Oakes (Oklahoma City, OK), and her cherished sisters-in-law Nora Cogburn (Mesquite, TX) and Marie Sloan (Louisville), several loving cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, 12 nieces and nephews, 14 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and 3 great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews across the country.

Having been educated at Artesia High School, and furthering her studies at Eastern New Mexico University, she graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in History and a B.M.E in Music Education, and later in 1985, she earned a Masters of Music Education. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school music teacher, starting her tenure at Abo and Hermosa Elementary Schools in 1982, before moving on to Seattle Public Schools in 1986 where she eventually retired in 2002. Her enthusiasm for music was contagious and is remembered by her many students.

Her love for music was not limited to teaching; Norma had a special affection for performing classical music, with George Gershwin’s “Summertime” being her favorite song to perform. Her favorite artists included Michael Bublé, The Carpenters, Ella Fitzgerald, Jessye Norman, and many more. In 1971, she was one of two New Meico high school students chosen to perform with the Universal Academy of Music's International traveling choir to Carnegie Hall, the White House, followed by concerts in Royal Albert Hall in London, then Brussels, Paris, Zurich, Innsbruck, Venice and Rome.  Later, she had a stint at Molly Murphy's House of Fine Repute in Oklahoma City, where she immersed herself in the character of Brünnhilde, delighting patrons with her vocal talents. 

Norma was a woman of many interests, an avid reader, she enjoyed a good murder mystery or historical fiction, with Dick Francis, Jeffrey Deaver, Robert Crais, Sue Grafton, J.A. Jance and Diana Gabladon among her favorite authors.

A keen quilter, crafter, and an accomplished cook, she loved finding and tweaking recipes until they were perfect. She loved Mexican cuisine, action movies, science fiction, and fantasy, developing a deep admiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series, and the Marvel Universe. A known “Trekker”, she loved the shows and movies, as well as Dr. Who, with David Tennant (her favorite actor) and all Emily Blunt performances.

She was inspiring to those around her. Her legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and a loving spirit. Her courage, positive attitude and fighting spirit in the face of a multitude of physical issues over the past several years was a testament to her never giving up and always spreading love and kindness.

Her love for animals (especially cats!) and strong belief in human rights and environmental issues led her to actively support causes close to her heart. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the Kentucky Humane Society at https://everloved.com/life-of… in memory of Norma's love for all creatures great and small.

Norma's life was a symphony of love, laughter, and light. Musicand art were her languages, and she shared them with all she met. In our hearts, her song will play on. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Norma.

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