Norma Mae DeVoe

Norma Mae (McClure) DeVoe passed away in the peace of sleep on November 28th in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was surrounded by the comforts of her home and children. In her 97 years, she built a legacy of strength, love, comedy, and charity for all who were blessed to know her; she will be greatly missed and affectionately remembered. 

Norma was born on October 15, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan to Marion and Thelma (McCaslin) McClure. The daughter of young parents struggling to provide for her during The Great Depression, Norma was displaced when she was twelve years old. After living with her maternal grandmother and some of her aunts for a time, her loving Aunt Mary and Uncle Bud took her in and raised her as their own. With the support of a network of family and friends, Norma was able to thrive. This time shaped her moral compass, sense of determination, and fiery wit that made her a rare and valuable combination of compassion, strength, and humor. 

Norma graduated from Jackson High School in 1946. In the fall of 1947, she and Charles DeVoe, a handsome and kind young man, ran into one another at the local roller skating rink where Norma spent a lot of time. He recognized the gem that she was and offered her a ride home when her date left without her, and the rest is - as they say - history. They married in February of 1948 and carried the same youthful spark throughout their fifty-five year marriage, with holding hands on walks, hugs at the door, pecks in the hallway, and playful banter in the kitchen. 

True soulmates, Norma and Charlie raised five beautiful girls through military service and moves, uncertain and tumultuous times, and the ups and downs of life with stable hands and laughter. Norma was an executive secretary for large life insurance companies, where she ran their offices while raising her family and managing a lively and welcoming home. Once their daughters started families of their own, the couple spent several years traveling and visiting loved ones around the country. They welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren with delight and the same spirit that defined them. Norma’s resourcefulness, intelligence, and dedicated teammate created a place of happy times and lifelong memories that she recounted until her last days, always with a lighthearted quip and note of gratitude.

Norma was a talented homemaker of the highest order. She sewed countless items for family and friends throughout the course of her lifetime, from bedroom curtains and holiday gifts to summer rompers and wedding dresses. For every marriage or graduation and each new baby, she offered a handmade afghan as a token of congratulations and love. She grew a garden that helped to feed her family, and Norma’s cooking continues to evoke a sense of warmth; the smell of her home fastened in memory. She also played the organ, and took the time to teach any grandchild who climbed onto her piano bench. Each of these she made seem easy and did with joy, driven by the ideas that kindness brings comfort and life should be celebrated and commemorated.

Norma lost the love of her life quite suddenly, and over the course of the past 21 years she has awaited the time when they would be reunited for their second first date. She stayed connected to her family and friends. She prayed and read and reflected; mended fences and maintained bridges. She took care of herself and others. She attended special moments, held babies, kissed children, cracked jokes, and learned new technologies. Quick with a funny story or a fond memory, Norma loved sharing time with the people close to her. She was easy to laugh and eager to encourage, which brought joy and insight to anyone who took the time to sit with her for a while. 

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charlie, who has been waiting to accept her into his embrace once again. She is survived by their five daughters, Jennine (Jim), Bonnie (Greg), Charlene (Ralph), Verna (John), and Marian (Dave), along with fifteen grandchildren, Sheri, Charlie, Bill, Shawna, Heath, Jennifer, Erin, Christy, Julie, Katie, Michael, Tony, Jason, Cody, and Dusty, eighteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Each of them carry a piece of her legacy - that from very little we can create a life of beauty. 

In keeping with Norma’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Her final resting place will be with her husband at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Heartland Hospice, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Norma may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.