Norma Jean Powell now resides with her Creator, Lord and Savior. Surrounded by her sons and daughters, her grandson, Bubba and nephew, Steven, she left her earthly residence of Ozark Riverview Manor on February 26, 2016. We thank our God for the 79 years of the adored mother, the dear sister, the precious child, the beloved grandmother, the tender-loving great-grandmother, the cherished friend, and more importantly, the lover of Jesus He created her to be.
Norma was born Nov. 27, 1936 to Burdette Gee Brown and Gloria Lurene Mallon Brown in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Later the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, a place Norma Jean held dear to her heart.
Norma Jean had a great passion and love for the Ozark Jubilee, where Red Foley presented her with a lifetime pass. She was president of its Fan Club and was delighted and thrilled to meet anyone who shared her ardor and such history.
The Louisiana Hayride enticed her to visit Shreveport, Louisiana where she then took up residence and began her life as a wife and mother. Married to Donald Lee Goins, they reared six children. Relocated to Mora, Louisiana, her family, life on a farm, the writing of local events for the Natchitoches Times newspaper, and the attending of the local church, created another endearing, lasting place in her heart. Assuring her children would learn of the God she trusted, they attended Pine Grove Baptist Church. Other precious memories are her love of caring for others as a nurse’s aide at Schumpert Hospital of Shreveport, the writing of poetry, listening to Christian and country music, picking wild berries, shelling peas on the front porch of the family homestead, preparing homemade meals, crocheting, quilt-making, the upbringing of and devotion to her children, her prayers, working crossword puzzles, playing dominoes and bingo, her love for animals, her jovial laughter, and always delighting in the company of her sweet-loving family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Burdette, Lurene and Violet Brown. Infant brothers Robert and Keith Brown, brothers Steve and Larry Brown, husband Donald Goins, husband Elmer Powell and grandchildren John Wesley Goins and Christopher Goins have also gone before her.
Left to cherish her love and memories are her brothers Price Brown with his wife Mary, David Brown with his wife, Jeanie of Springfield, Missouri. Her children, Jimmy Goins with Patricia of Haughton, La., Donna Goins with her husband, Ed of Dike, Tx., Violet Rogers with her husband Brad of Ozark, Mo., Cindy Goins of Strafford, Mo., Johnny Goins of Keithville, La., and Lester Goins with Kelly of Lebanon, Missouri will also hold dear her life story along with grandchildren, Tonya, Bubba, Ashley, Charley, Bradley, Blake, Whitney, Kelly, Katelyn and Megan, and eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Also her lifelong friend, Larry Karl Brown of Kansas City, Missouri, will miss his cherished friend, Norma Jean. Not to be forgotten, is her much-loved pet, Peaches will grieve for her.
A special thanks to each staff member, nurse and physician of Ozark Riverview Manor. We greatly appreciate all those who genuinely provided compassion and benevolence to our dear and forever precious mother.
Mom has taught us and helped us get through many life lessons – some happy… some hard. Life IS precious. Mornings can change without notice … “Hello! My name is Norma Jean!!” Take life with a grain of salt… “Oh, bologna! Oh, shucks.” Never take boys berry picking… they always come empty-bucket. Always be cautious… berry-picking boys always create snake sightings. Love is to be expressed… “I love you.” Jesus is important… prayer is important. Always have a birthday card handy AND a dollar… especially for the grandchildren. A dollar with get a book of lifesavers… a book of lifesavers will get you a lifetime memory from your children and grandchildren. Grandmothers are made to feel special when given their own endearing title… “Grandmommy” can warm one’s heart and create a smile that out-measures all other expressions. Kisses ARE heavenly… especially when given all over one’s face. The color purple?…. I say the color RED… wear it, taste it, create it, touch it, look for it and squeeze it as often as love flows through you. FIGHT TO REMEMBER you are loved…. the heart remembers ALWAYS. Rainy days are just wet days but sunshine is delicious. The lessons she taught us have made us who we are. The lessons we’ve learned will get us through these difficult days.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East with visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 29, 2016. Service will be Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Mo.
In her memory, donations may be made to the History Museum on the Square, 157 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806 and the Alzheimer’s Association.