Norma M. Jacobs

Norma Mahrea Jacobs went peacefully to be with her Savior on July 19, 2021 exactly one month past her 95th birthday.

Norma spent the last three years of her life being cared for and thoroughly spoiled in the home of her daughter, Cassie Drummond and Cassie’s husband, Jim, of Raytown, Missouri.

Norma’s children and grandchildren would tell you that what they will miss most is her loving heart and her playful sense of humor. They would tell you about her seemingly boundless capacity for love and acceptance and the fact that she always, always declared herself “so blessed” regardless of challenge or circumstance. She found joy in her family, friends, and church and comfort in her steadfast faith.

Norma lived out her faith with grace and generosity, giving her time and her talents to serving others for many years at Roanoke Baptist Church, and, more recently, at Connection Point in Raytown. She visited the nursing home with her church friends every week until, at the age of 93, she, herself, was older than many of the residents she got to know. Norma also volunteered with the Care Cab program, and, when her children were young, she served as both a Cub Scout den leader and a Campfire Girls leader. Neighborhood kids at that time could tell you stories about Norma taking all of them sledding and, afterward, bringing everyone inside her home for hot chocolate; hers was the home where every teen friend felt welcomed and loved.

Norma’s varied work life included duties at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Douglas School, and Roanoke Baptist Church. Always ready to learn new things, Norma learned how to drive at the age of 45, mastered a computer when she was in her 80’s, and learned to navigate a brand-new tablet like a pro in her 90’s. As life slowed down for Norma, she loved watching the birds visit the various feeders outside her windows (even if she did get quite put out by the squirrels who greedily feasted there, too!) and looked forward to her cookies and ice cream each evening before bed.

Norma is survived by her son, Howard Beitling and wife Quiquette “Cookie”, her son Paul Beitling and wife Pam, and her daughter Cassie Drummond and husband Jim. Norma leaves behind her grandchildren, Paul Beitling Jr., Jeff Beitling, Greg Beitling, Mark Drummond, Becky Stutte, Brianna Beitling, and Tyler Beitling; and her great grandchildren, Anthony and Alyssa Beitling, Harper, Ilia, and Oliver Beitling, and Adelyne and Elijah Stutte. She is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine VinZant and George Chester, sisters and brother; first husband, John Robert “Bob” Beitling, and second husband, Luther “Jake” Jacobs.

In Norma’s well-worn Bible, this verse was highlighted by her hand. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1st Peter 4:10-11)

Visitation will be 12PM, with services to follow at 1PM, Tuesday, July 27 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be 12PM, with services to follow at 1PM, Tuesday, July 27 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.