Norma Lee Johnson, 80, passed away from lymphoma on
July 23, 2010 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 30, 2010,11:00 a.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava, Mo with burial in Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. with funeral following at 11:00.

Norma was born in Malvern, Iowa on January 6, 1930 to Lloyd (Doc) and Neva Piland. Norma grew up in Ozark County, Missouri and graduated from Ava High School in 1947. After high school, at the age of 17, she began her teaching career while attending Southwest Missouri State University during the summer months.

While visiting her younger siblings' school, Norma caught the eye of their teacher, Jack Johnson. They were married on July 24, 1948.

Norma lived and taught in many communities throughout Missouri, Minnesota, and Iowa. She most recently made her home in Springfield, Missouri before moving to Des Moines shortly before her death.

Norma was a dedicated wife, mother, and teacher. She and Jack raised their two children in Iowa City, Iowa, and she taught at Hoover Elementary School in West Branch, Iowa for 23 years. Norma was never idle. She loved teaching, gardening, raising cattle, being an active member of her church, and most importantly taking care of her family. And in the midst of all her responsibilities, she graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1974.

Norma is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jack; children, Pam (Steve) Noll of Vancouver, Washington and Jim (Mary) Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Michael, A.J., and Patrick Noll and Sydney and Grant Johnson; sister, Fae (Nuel) Thomas of Thornfield, Missouri; brother, Gerald (Mary Ellen) Piland of Republic, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.