Norma Jean Jay

Norma Jean Jay (Howe), 79 of Cassville, MO

Norma Jean Jay (Howe) made her final journey at age 79 from her home in Cassville, Missouri on Friday, August 20, 2021, following a long illness.

Norma was born in Joplin, MO on November 17, 1941 to Clarence and Mable Howe (Wyant). She attended Joplin Schools, Eagle Picher grade school, North Junior High and Joplin High. She graduated from high school in Downey, California.

She was married to Reverend Charles Jay for 58 years. She assisted him in his ministry, establishing four Home Missionary churches across the west and mid-west. The first ministry was the United Pentecostal Church (New Life Temple) and the last pastorate she assisted was the Anchor Worship Center in Chanute, Kansas.

She was the mother of five children: Sharon Lloyd, Diana Jay, Carla Rider, Teresa Carroll, Charles Jay, and stepdaughter Kathy Tucker. Survivors include three sons-in-law, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death is her husband, her parents, one sister and two brothers. Four sisters survive her: Darlene Hartje, Barbara Lewis, Delores Winnett and Joan Corder.

While traveling with her husband and children to various ministering locations, Norma was able to complete her education as a Registered Nurse; she received an AA at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD and a BSN at MSSC in Joplin, MO. She worked in the nursing field for 30 years, starting as a nurse aide at Freeman and St. John’s Hospital, an LPN at Centralia and Chehalis, Washington. As a RN she worked for St. John’s Hospital and at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, KS. She spent 15 years of nursing as a Certified Case Manager in Texas and Washington, D.C.

Norma had a love of nursing and believed in continuing education. She loved to read and write poetry, and self-published a book of poems, Poems of Praise and Inspiration. Her favorite book was the Bible. Her favorite hobby was traveling and planning trips to new places, always looking for a new place to go.

Her greatest love besides her Lord Jesus and the ministry was her family. 

Funeral services provided by Fohn Funeral Home. Visitation is at Fohn Funeral Home Friday, August 27th, 6-7 pm with dinner to follow at New Life Temple in Cassville. Homegoing service at New Life Temple on Saturday, August 28th at 10 am with final resting place at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins. Dinner will follow at New Life Temple on Saturday. 

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences