Nora Irene Robertson, 92, of Elkhart, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 5:15 a.m., at the Center for Hospice Care, Esther's House, with her daughter Lavonne at her side. She left this world in the same way she lived in it—gracefully, stubbornly, and with a touch of well-timed humor.

Born on June 24, 1933, in Jasper, Alabama, to the late Noah and Willie Mae (Harris) Buttram, Nora grew up with Southern charm, a sharp wit, and a healthy appreciation for looking one's best—traits that stayed with her all her days. She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny B. Robertson; her sisters, Evelyn Burton and Lillian Tidwell; and her great-grandson, Brandon Jackson. No doubt she greeted them all with a smile and a sassy remark.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Marian Jackson, Lavonne Garver, and Cheryl Robertson, all of Elkhart; her sister, Faye Colburn of Nauvoo, Alabama; and her grandchildren Sonya Jackson, Charlena Jackson, Christopher (Martinah) Robertson, and Darious Jackson. Nora was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and a large, loving extended family.

Nora's life will be celebrated at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Brandon Weldon of Elkhart's Grace Bible Church will officiate, and she will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery.

In her working years, Nora spent most of her time in retail fashion, helping others look their best and doing so with pride, precision, and an unspoken understanding that a good outfit could fix nearly anything. Whether she was assisting a customer or dressing for a simple trip to the grocery store, every color matched, every accessory made sense, and every hair knew where it was supposed to be. Fashion wasn't a job for her—it was a declaration of self-respect and joy. At home, Nora seemed just as busy outside tending to everything from the lawn to her annual vegetable garden. In fact, she was still growing tomatoes until just the last few years. Additionally, there was no stick, leaf or piece of lawn litter too small or insignificant to escape Nora's eagle eye and ever present leaf rake.

She loved to go places, especially if it involved a sale, a "maybe-sale," or even the possibility of a future sale. A garage sale could send her into happy orbit. She also enjoyed ultra-long, peaceful walks, partly for exercise and partly to make sure she didn't miss anything interesting. Game shows and Dr. Phil held a special place in her daily routine, and when the weather turned unfriendly, she happily settled in with her puzzle books—quiet battles of wit she usually won.

Nora was also a woman of steady, sincere faith. A born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, she was a dedicated member of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, where she found encouragement, fellowship, and purpose. Her trust in God carried her through life's challenges and gave her peace at the end of her earthly journey.

Meticulous, fashionable, sharp-tongued in the best possible way, Nora had an impeccable sense of humor that her family adored. They all liked to joke that she was "too mean to die"—a line that always made her laugh louder than anyone else. In the end, it seems that orneriness had far less to do with her remarkable longevity than her grit, her faith, and her fierce love for her family.

Though her earthly walk has ended, her legacy—of style, spirit, humor, and heart—lives beautifully on in those she loved. The family would like to also thank the staff at the Elkhart General Hospital Emergency Department and at the Center for Hospice Care's Elkhart Esther's House for their care and compassion given to their dear Nora.