Norma (Parke) Bow

God called His precious child Norma, with her effervescent smile that brought so much joy to everyone she met, to her eternal resting place on August 31, 2022, to join her husband Donald, siblings, and many friends. She was living and cared for in Brighton, MI at the time of her death. Norma, the youngest of eleven children, was born January 10, 1938, at the family home in Richmond, KY. Her father, James Parke (d. 1946), and Mother, Stella Cosby Parke (d. 1982), were residents of Madison County, KY. Surviving her are her son, Jonathan Wayne Bow of Howell, MI, and her daughter, LaDonna Lynn (Christopher) Bow-Billman of Dexter, MI. Also surviving are her precious three granddaughters, Marissa McKee, Brooke Primeau, and Danielle Primeau, also of Dexter, MI. Preceding her in death were her husband of 61 years Donald W Bow (d. 2021), parents, four brothers, Melvin, Douglas, Leslie, and Harold and six sisters, Bernice (Boba), Mary, Gladys, Sybil, Jamie, and Thelma. Norma lived in Monroe, MI for 29 years (1964-1993) where she and her husband raised their two children, helping with and cheering on all their activities, and was an active member at First Baptist Church. Norma was inspired to establish a wholesome environment for children of parents who had to work, and in 1975 she established her legacy Kiddie Korner Daycare and Preschool at her church. Upon her retirement in 1993, Norma and her husband Don moved to their new home on Todd Lake in Reed City, MI, a lake they had spent their summers at a cottage enjoying the starry night skies since 1969. Norma then became a member of Reed City United Methodist Church where she loved singing in the Alpha Choir and served in various leadership roles of the church. She was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority, Big Rapids Garden Club, “Garden Gals” Garden Club, and Extension Group of Reed City. She was a substitute teacher at Norman Elementary School in Reed City for many years. Norma considered herself a joyful child of God and adored children. She dedicated much of her life in service to them, spreading God’s word, loving on and caring for them. Norma’s Celebration Memorial Service will be at Dexter United Methodist Church, Dexter, MI on September 8, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am prior to the service at noon with a luncheon following. The family requests your presence in the Celebration of Norma’s life and Homegoing. Memorials may be made to the Reed City United Methodist Church choirs, Youth Ministries or Memorial Garden of the church.

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