Normi Inez Colbert Obituary (1926 - 2021)

Normi Inez Colbert, age 95, whose long life was a true blessing, of Elmira, NY went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Inez was formerly a resident at The Falls Home in Montour Falls, NY. She was born January 26, 1926 in Thomasville, GA. She is the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Bryant Allen, who gave her the name Normi Inez Allen at her birth; she went by her middle name of Inez throughout her life. She married Oliver Lee Colbert. Inez was an amazing homemaker for her husband, Oliver, and her daughter, Ollie, living in Elmira for over 60 years. After her husband passed away, Inez decided to stay in Elmira as it was too hot in Houston, TX for her, where her immediate family lived. Inez loved the cold weather and awe-inspiring atmosphere in NY. When she went to Texas to visit her family, she would remind them how spicy and tropical it was and how beautiful the weather was in NY. She loved the Lord and was a unique woman and a wonderful mom. She taught Ollie about life and showed her how to stand on her own, and, for this, Ollie is very grateful. Inez would have said she didn't want her family to grieve for her and to "Lift up your heart. Peace to Thee. God wants me now, He set me free!" Words expressed from Inez' first granddaughter, Angela, with love ~ "To my grandmother: Memory is a keepsake, which I'll never part. God has her in His arms. I have her in my heart. When you have someone you love in heaven, you have a little bit of heaven. I love you forever." Words expressed from Inez' second granddaughter, Gwen, were written with love ~ "No words can ever express the admiration and love that I have for you, Grandma. Your loving nature, strength, and great wisdom is what brought me through some of the darkest times in my life. In my eyes, you have been more than a blessing from God that I will always treasure. One of the most memorable memories that I think about is the time we decided to go visit Moses at the hospital in the middle of the night. I remember that the car began to overheat on the way to the hospital, but we were determined no matter what to see him. Most people in that situation would have been nervous or scared, but not you. That day we ended up stopping every few miles to put water in the car until we finally made it to the hospital. I remember how happy we both were and how Moses was so happy to see us. From that day on, I knew how much love you had for your family. Much respect and love to the woman who helped raise me and has been on my side for life. Grandma, you will always be my best friend, my heart; having you in my life meant everything to me. Love you forever!" She is survived by her daughter, Ollie Colbert-Lee of Houston; 4 grandchildren from Houston: Fabian Lee, Angela Lee, Jimmy Lee, and Gwen Lee; 7 great grandchildren from Houston: Ricky Jr., Keshia, Dylan, Fabian Jr., Victoria, Adrian, and Saint Moses; great great granddaughter, "Goldinn"; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins from Florida, Thomasville, GA, and Houston. Inez was predeceased by her 16 sisters and brothers who are all gone to be with the Lord. Inez is the happiest person right now; I can only imagine what that day was like for her smiling from ear to ear. Glory hallelujah! A private Graveside service and burial were held in Montour Falls Cemetery in Montour Falls, NY. Inez' care was entrusted to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.