Norma Brown

July 23, 1947 - April 24, 2022

Norma Brown, age 74, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the MHP Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was born on July 23, 1947, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Lillian (Prothero) Brown. She attended the Oskaloosa High School and graduated with the Class of 1965. She then furthered her education, earning a bachelor’s degree from William Penn University and later earning her Special Education Endorsement at Central College. Norma was a teacher through and through. She subbed in many communities until landing permanently in the Sigourney School District. Her love for kids and seeing them succeed remains evident in those young kids who have become successful adults. She shared her love of education and embraced many young teachers whom she became a friend, mentor, and a school momma. Norma retired in 2010 but continued to share her love of books with some special little ones in her life. Her pride and joy were her family, especially being a mom. Though many thought of her as mom, her biggest blessing was daughter Kathryn. Over the years their relationship only grew; they became worldwide traveling partners together, traveling to Florida multiple times and later learning they both shared a love for cruising. In addition to traveling with Kathryn, Norma enjoyed “just a few more minutes” at the casino, visiting with friends and family, flowers, live productions, spending time at the homestead “Lillian’s Acres”, and scrabble (specifically with Shelly). Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kathryn (Ron) Polson of Des Moines; a sister, JoAnn (Darrel) Van Roekel of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; two brothers, Don William (Nancy) Brown of Lake Keomah and Daryl (Cherol) Brown of Oskaloosa. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews; Shelly (Dan) Pope, Tricia (Shawn) Brown, Marla (Pat) Lee, Darcy (Merrill) White, Jake (Toni) Brown, Matt (Claudia) Brown, and Dawn (Mike) Janos and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. In heart she adopted two special families and their kids, thinking of them like grandchildren. Left to cherish many special memories are The Smith and Anderson Families. In addition, her best friend Connie. She was preceded in death by her parents and many, many fur babies. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with her daughter Pastor Kathryn Polson (Osky Open Bible) and Pastor Andrew Bates co-officiating. Burial will be in the Indianapolis Cemetery west of What Cheer. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27, 5-7 pm in the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, MHP Serenity Hospice House, or Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa.