Norma Jean Smith Wingate, 70, of Bainbridge, left this world to go to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2014.

The graveside funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Frank Anderson officiating.

Mrs. Wingate was born Sept. 10, 1943 in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of William and Irene Smith. She graduated from Lordstown, Ohio High School, Class of 1961, where she played in the band, the marching band, the County Chorus, Beta Club, Representative Club, Junior and Senior plays, National Honor Society, and the yearly gymnastic programs. She moved to Palm Harbor, Florida after graduation, where she attended the Memorial Hospital Nursing Training in Clearwater, and became a Licensed Practicing Nurse in 1963. Mrs. Wingate married Edwin Wingate in 1962 and they celebrated almost 46 years of marriage before he passed away. She worked at Clearwater Hospital in pediatrics, the Tarpon Springs Emergency Room, the Tarpon Springs Convalescent Home, Smirlis Bakery, and most recently at the Whigham Pinewood Nursing Home. She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, where she served as Gleaner Leader, taught children’s church, V.L.B. Leader, W.M.B. Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Church Clerk, and Church Treasure.

Survivors include her sons, William D. Blankenship Wingate, Bobby Rae Wingate and his wife, Renee, and Edwin Olin Wingate, and his wife, Connie; her daughters, Crystal Gail Wingate and Jessica Lyn Roach and her husband, Gerard; her grandchildren, Billy Jack Wingate, Matthew Daniel Wingate,

William Daniel Wingate, Keisha Marie Kilgore, Aaron Staurt Wingate, Tristen Tanner Wingate, Jenna Alexis Howard, Brandon Paul Howard, Emily Grace

McGinty, Edwin Austin Wingate, Ashton LaVonne Wingate, Courtney Jean Wingate, Ryan Carson Wingate, and Julius Christian Wingate; and her great-grandchildren, Rylie Zaden Wingate, Draven Crouch, Phury, Zachary Taylor Wingate, and Gabe Crouch.

Ivey Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.