Norma Jean Marks, age 89, of Lowell, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 11, 2017. Norma Jean was born on November 21, 1927, in San Diego, CA, to Donald W. and Mae H. (Rodgers) Byers. Though Norma Jean excelled in math and the sciences throughout school, she felt called to a life of ministry and service and chose to attend Ft. Wayne Bible College in Ft. Wayne, IN. There she met and fell in love with Glenn Marks, a young ministerial student just back from overseas service in the U.S. Army. After a year, they both transferred to Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN, and Norma Jean graduated in 1949. They were married on June 8, 1950, in Nyack, New York. Glenn was ordained in the United Missionary Church and together they faithfully served the Lord and church for 53 years, planting five churches throughout Indiana and Michigan. Norma Jean worked tirelessly caring for four children and giving them a happy and secure home. She led women’s and children’s ministries, led a community Bible study, taught Sunday School, and often hosted guests or church gatherings in their home. Norma Jean is survived by her husband of 67 years, Glenn Marks, her brother and wife, Donald W. and Mamie Byers, her sister and husband, Laura Lee and Ben Hauser; four children and spouses, Jeanette and David Oliphant, Marlene and Lars Sjoholm, Thomas and Rebecca (Allen) Marks, and Cynthia and Stanley Gerig; fourteen beloved grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mae Byers, and a daughter, Dorothy Mae. Norma Jean will always be held close in our hearts and remembered dearly for many things. Among those were her deep and faithful love of Christ and her family, her gracious and encouraging spirit, her drive for excellence, her laughter and sense of humor, her beautiful voice singing hymns of praise, and her joy in gathering the family, especially at Christmas. By the grace of God, she lived a full and generous life and is now with Him in Glory. Visitation will be held at the Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331, on Friday, August 18, 2017, from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Church, 10501 Settlewood Dr., Lowell, MI 49331, on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at 11 am, with a visitation at 10 am. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Donations can be made to Evergreen Church for a mission project in honor of Norma Jean Marks.
