Norma Gwendolyn Ransom

Norma Gwendolyn “Sissy” (Garner) Ransom, affectionately known as Mom, Mama, Maw, Mother, and Grandma, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on March 9, 2026. She was born on June 24, 1936, in Maryville, Tennessee, to the late Obea Kate Garner and Lee Edward Garner.

She was preceded in death by her sister Lee Ethel Smith and her brothers David, Jack, John, Ron, and Don Garner. She is survived by her siblings Mary Dorsey of Altadena, California, Elaine Garner and Connie McGee of Pasadena, California, Daniel Garner of Maryville, Tennessee, and Neil Garner of Marlin, Texas.

A graduate of Halls High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, Norma worked various jobs and cleaned homes before moving to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1960. She was the devoted wife of the late Willie “Bud Ram” Ransom, who lovingly called her his “Boss Lady” and “Landlady” and treated her like a queen. She was the loving mother of Gwendolyn Ilene Ivy of Maricopa, Arizona, Clifford Eugene Goins of Cranston, Rhode Island, Stephanie Britto and her husband Ed Britto III of Warwick, Rhode Island, William “Billy” Ransom and his wife Karen of Providence, David Ransom of North Providence, Rhode Island, Christopher Ransom and his wife Monica of Mesa, Arizona, Kristina Ransom of Wakefield, Rhode Island, and Joseph Durant of East Providence, Rhode Island. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, including the late Marcus Jason Goins, and more than 35 great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

In her younger years, Norma played electric guitar and hosted lively jam sessions at home, teaching her children and grandchildren to play. She found great pleasure in gardening, cooking, fishing, visiting the casino, watching shark movies, and simply spending time outdoors with her family. Above all, she was the matriarch who built a foundation of deep family love and loyalty. She taught generations the importance of caring for one another, and her legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.