Norma Jean Mawdsley

Norma Jean Mawdsley, 89, one month short of her 90^th birthday, passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

Norma Jean Mosby was born July 29, 1933 in Vienna, MO, the daughter of Walter and Rena Mosby. She grew up in Granite City, Illinois where she was the 1950 “Krismiss,” 1951 May Queen, and an honor graduate of Granite City High School. Norma held a variety of responsible financial positions, both prior to and in the early years of her marriage, including one at Southern Illinois University in service to veterans.

Norma Jean Mosby was united in marriage to Jack Kinrade Mawdsley on August 16, 1951, in Granite City. From the first time they held hands walking home from a movie, it was clearly love. Surviving are Jack, her husband of 71+ years; two daughters, Kim Chase of Traverse City, MI and Beth Mawdsley Sherwood of Holland and Battle Creek, MI; four grandchildren, Anthony Chase, Charles Jack “CJ” (Sarah) Chase, Elizabeth (Joe Alpers) Chase, and Ian M. Sherwood; two great-grandsons, Christopher “Chris” Chase and Vincent “Vinny” Chase; and several extended family members. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Charles Chase; a sister, Ida “Eileen” Ballard, and two brothers, Walter “Lefty” Mosby and James “Jim” Mosby.

Norma was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek for 67 years, and served in numerous leadership roles including Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. She was very active for 50+ years in the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter AB, including service as a past president, and participated in a variety of other groups, one being a special prayer group. As well, she and Jack enjoyed traveling together and playing tennis.

Kind and thoughtful to all, Norma consistently put the wants and needs of others ahead of her own, always gave of herself to help. She cherished her many strong and lasting friendships, but was devoted to her family. Her unwavering understanding, support, and encouragement will be deeply missed. With everlasting love, Norma will forever stay in the hearts and minds of her family as beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Private family services will be held for Norma. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter AB, Payable to: Cottey College Scholarship Fund, C/o Jill Collins, 233 Lynwood Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015.  Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.