Norma Jean Branton Rupard, 81, of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, after battling cancer. She was born June 11, 1944, in Iredell County to the late Robert Branton and Jettie Miller Branton. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She retired from Broyhill after 32 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, James “Jim” Rupard, and his brother-in-law, Rev. Henry Cook.

Those left to cherish and honor her memories include her son, Mike Head (Kelly) of Taylorsville; her sister, Kay Cook of Hiddenite; step granddaughter, Mikhayla Sipe (Will); step grandson, Nathan Pope; step great grandson, Sammy Sipe; step great granddaughter, Rayleigh Sipe; step granddaughter, Emilee Stevens; two step daughters, Charmon Gwaltney and Chasta Shumaker (Gene); two step grandsons, Solomon and Issacc Shumaker; one step granddaughter, Taylor Lawter; two nephews, Mark and Steven Cook; one niece, Allison Bolick (Toby); two sisters-in-law, Opal and Ann Rupard; and special friends, Carolyn Gantt, Michelle (Lynn), Ty, Lucas Anderson, Linda Babb, Mindy Ostwalt, and Kathleen Prevette.

Visitation will be held Tuesday February 10, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. Rev. Brian Douthit will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nathan Pope, Danny Crouse, Steve Cook, Jay Stewart, Toby and Ty Bolick. Honorary pallbearer will be Mark Cook.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 848 Pisgah Church Rd Stony Point, NC 28678.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com