Norma Jean Blalark, 83 of Portland, AR died Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Life Care Center Bridgeton in Bridgeton, MO. She was a native of Mer Rouge, LA, a retired public school teacher, and a member of Unity Temple Church of God in Christ in Portland.

She was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-five years William Blalark, Sr., and her parents Charlie and Evelyn DeBose Johnson, one brother, Jack Johnson, and three sisters, Finale Johnson, Addie Hawthorn, and Cora Anderson. She was a gifted musician who was always willing to share her talent of singing and playing the piano. She enjoyed attending church functions, traveling to see family, and entertaining guests in her home.

She is survived by one son, James and wife LaTonya Culbreath, Jr. of St. Charles, MO; a step-son, William Blalark, Jr. of Long Beach, CA, one granddaughter, Kaylie MacKenzie Culbreath of St. Charles, MO; six sisters, Sarah Lee and Helen Smith both of Tyler, TX, Edna and husband Robert Mullen and Bessie Johnson both of Bastrop, LA, Jeanette Harrison of San Bernardino, CA, Gloria and husband Alphonso Olive of Moreno Valley, CA; three brothers, James and wife Lenda Johnson of Detroit, MI, Charley Johnson, Jr. of Dallas, TX, Robert and wife Beatrice Johnson of Shreveport, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral service is Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Unity Temple COGIC in Portland, AR with Supt. Johnnie Winfield officiating. Active pallbearers are Larry Williams, Adron Johnson, Eric Moseby, Matthew Jones, A. J. Smith and Edmond Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers are the Stewards of Unity Temple COGIC. Burial will be in Childress Chapel Cemetery in Parkdale, AR.

Visitation will be Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5:30-6:30 at Cromwell Funeral Home Chapel.  Services entrusted to Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc. of Hamburg, AR.