Nov. 24, 2024, Norma Waters, 89, of rural Newton, was promoted to the Heavenly Choir to continue worship of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 29, at Lynnville Friends Church. Friends are also invited to join the family for lunch and continued fellowship from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, at FCC Building in Lynnville. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sully Fire and Ambulance may be left at the church, the FCC, or Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Newton.
Norma Jean Jones was born Aug. 19, 1935, to James David and Thelma Margarite (Klein) Jones. Norma spent her childhood in Clovis, NM, and later Carbondale, CO. During her high school years, Norma met her school sweetheart Jerry Waters. They married in 1953 and were later blessed with three daughters Cynthia Kay, Kathleen Sue, and Jody Lynn.
Norma was well known for her musical talent and played piano and organ for weddings and events around the area. She was also a member of a musical ensemble known as “The Sopris Six.” Her love of music continued and soon her daughters were performing with her.
In 1964, they moved from Colorado to the family farm near Killduff. It was there that Norma came to know Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a member of Lynnville Friends Church. She used her love of music and musical talents to offer praises to God. She was the pianist and organist and organized and led several young adult choirs and gospel teams (“Young World,” “A New Beginning,” and “His Company”). Through music, Norma introduced many youth to a personal relationship with God.
Norma worked as a school secretary at Lynnville-Sully School for several years until beginning a career with the Iowa Department of Human Services. She retired from DHS in 1996.
Norma had many talents and shared those talents willingly. She was a seamstress making prom dresses, gospel team outfits, and bridesmaids’ dresses for her daughters and granddaughters. Later, she sewed crib sheets and blankets for Diamond Trail Children’s Center. She was ready to help anyone at a moments notice, but above all she was a prayer warrior. Her nightly prayers included prayers for each member of her family. Norma was well known for her love of music, devotion to her family, and a strong cup of coffee. She was an avid cheerleader and supporter of her family at many sporting events throughout the years—first for her children, then grandchildren, and most recently great-grandchildren.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Herbie (in infancy). Her legacy is left to her daughters and sons-in-law: Cindy and Myron Norman of Sully, Kathy and Brad Emry of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Jody and Ryan Eaton of Newton; and her many grand-children and great-grandchildren.
