Norma DeBerry, age 91, passed away on November 15, 2021 at Oak Terrace Senior Living in Jordan, Minnesota. Private family services will be held. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.
Norma was born on April 18, 1930 in Columbia, Missouri to Floyd and Reba (Rippeto) Noel. Norma grew up with her three brothers, Billy, Jack and Bobby in Columbia until she graduated from Hickman High School. Soon after, she met Kenneth DeBerry and they were united in marriage on August 15, 1949. Together, Kenneth and Norma were blessed with one son, Gregory, who was born in November of 1951. He meant the world to her. As a family, they moved to various places…Columbia, Missouri; Humbolt, Iowa; Jerseyville, Illinois and New Ulm, Minnesota before retiring in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1976, Norma was blessed with a granddaughter, Reyanna. She had always wished for a daughter and felt her wish came true when Reyanna was born. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for Greg and Reyanna. When Kenneth passed in 2009, Norma moved to Jefferson City, Missouri to be with Greg. After Greg’s passing in 2018, she moved to Jordan, Minnesota to be with Reyanna where she lived out her remaining years.
Norma was a dedicated homemaker. Her family and her Baptist faith were her pillars of strength. There is nothing that meant more to her. She sang in the church choir, taught bible school and was a dedicated servant of God. She even received standing ovations in church when she would sing “Amazing Grace.” Because Ken’s career required frequent relocation, her family moved many times over the years. No matter where they ended up, Norma always found social clubs to be involved with and made many life long friends. She loved to go dancing & bowling and play bridge, tennis & golf. She could be found doing anything that involved being with people; entertaining and hosting as often as she could. She had a passion for shopping and had an extensive collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry that brought her much happiness. Another activity that brought her joy was going out for coffee which she did twice a day. Norma adored spending time with her granddaughter, Reyanna. They enjoyed many phone calls, visits, traveling, shopping and trips to Bell’s Park & Dunkin Donuts.
Later in life, she was blessed with two great grandsons – Jaycob and Peter. Norma was always interested in knowing how and what each of them was doing.
Another source of great joy in Norma’s life was her beloved dog, Mickie. She loved and adored him.
A prim and proper Southern belle who loved her family and friends dearly, Norma will be greatly missed by her granddaughter, Reyanna (Frank) Vosberg; her great grandsons, Jaycob and Peter Vosberg; Reyanna’s mother, Barbara Simon; Reyanna’s sisters, Sara Logan and Alyson (Jacques) de Lange; and other loving family and friends.
Norma will be reunited in heaven with her husband, Kenneth; her son, Gregory; her parents Floyd and Reba Noel; siblings, Billy Rippeto, Jack (Lois) Noel & Bobby Noel, her dog, Mickie; and many other dear family and friends who she has missed dearly.
