Shara Jo Norman

Shara Jo Norman, 60 of Springfield, died on June 5, 2025. She was born on September 5, 1964 in Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of Larry J. and Sharma (Davis) Norman.

She graduated from Springfield North High School class of 1982 and studied at Clark State College and Wright State University.

Shara had four boys, three from her first marriage: Nicholas, Justin and Seth Biles and Kaeleb Temple from her former marriage to John Temple of Springfield.

Shara held many jobs over the years in the hospitality industry. She worked as a bartender manager at Wittenberg University, a catering assistant at Wright State University, and spent 31 years working for Applebee's in various locations where she became a “neighborhood expert”. Shara was very passionate about Applebee's’ Annual Veterans Day Event. She would decorate the store to celebrate the veterans and active-duty military that would come in for a free Veterans Day meal. She was a hard worker all her life but recently struggled with Lupus (autoimmune disease).

Shara loved to cook and if there was any occasion with family or friends, she would show up with a home-cooked meal. She would often bring food to her coworkers at Applebee’s. She showed her love through her cooking.

Shara also had a big heart for animals. She adopted several dogs over the years. Her latest was her beloved Mabel Snodgrass. Dealing with her illnesses from Covid and her battle with Lupus, her decisions were always made with Mabel in mind. Her Mabel was her everything.

She loved the beach. Growing up, she always looked forward to spring break vacations in Florida with her family and friends. Laying out in the sun on Clearwater Beach was her happy place. Her dream was to one day live in Florida. 

She is survived by her three sons: Justin, Seth Biles and Kaeleb Temple all of Springfield; Six beautiful grandchildren: Camden and Cayden (Justin), Odysseus and Camille (Seth) and Korynne and Aubrie (Kaeleb); a sister and brother-n-law Jinjer and Brandon Raab of Tampa, Florida, her nephews Dylan and Kyle Raab, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Stephen Nicholas Biles on May 6, 2019.

A celebration of Shara will be held in the Jones-Kenney-Zechman Funeral Home in Springfield on Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends may visit from 1-2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suicide Awareness and Prevention at https://988lifeline.org/donate/ (Shara was a big supporter of suicide awareness and prevention) or to the family. Condolences may be shared at www.jkzfh.com.

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