Norma Jean Smith, 89, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on Friday January 19, 2024. She was born on May 8, 1934, to the late Orla and Hope (Leonard) Smith in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Norma was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she enjoyed worship and playing the organ for many years. Norma had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, her savior. Norma shared her gifts frequently as a musician who played by ear rather than reading music. She loved playing the piano, accordion, and organ any chance she was able.
Norma was active with the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Special Olympics of Wood County, and the Wood County Senior Center. Norma received a lifetime of services from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities making many meaningful friendships. After leaving her family’s home in Pemberville, Norma received supports from Wood Lane Residential Services and lived in Walbridge for many years. Norma was also very proud to live on her own at Varsity Square and Cedar Park Apartments in Bowling Green. She enjoyed socializing with her neighbors and making new friends.
Norma loved being on the go whether it was getting coffee, movies, BINGO, day trips, shopping, or eating out. Norma met Bill Thorton in her 60s and from there they were inseparable. She participated for many years in the Wood Lane Residential Services Talent Show, even after she moved into her own place. Norma was a founding member of the Wood County Consumer Advisory Board and Wood County People First and was a strong advocate for community inclusion and community employment. Norma worked at the sheltered workshop and Community Employment Supports “CES” (currently Wood Leads to Independence “WLI”). She held many community jobs and was very proud of her employment.
Norma participated in Special Olympics of Wood County whenever she could. In her younger years, Norma played basketball and participated in track. She remained active with bowling and bocce as she grew older. As a senior citizen, Norma could be found working, volunteering, and participating at the Wood County Senior Center. Norma looked forward to retirement and attending Conteh Home and Day Services. She returned to supported living when she could no longer live alone through Wood Lane Residential Services, The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio, and her final home, Wood Haven. Through her years, she built relationships with those working for her as well as those she shared her home with.
She is survived by her brother Larry Smith, niece Shirley Reddish, her cousin-in-law Deloris Moore, and her dear friends Judy Conda and Angie Blake.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers Donald and Marvin Smith, cousin, Fred Moore and her companion Bill Thornton.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Wood Lane Foundation, Inc., Bridge Hospice or the Church of the Nazarene in Bowling Green, Ohio.
A visitation will be held on Thursday January 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster Street. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Joel Nichols will officiate. Interment will follow at Pemberville Cemetery.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
