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The Life of NORMA JEAN BROAD

On June 28, 2017 Norma Jean Broad left her earthly home to begin eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Norma Jean was 95 years old, born September 14, 1921 in Maryville, Missouri. As a young child, her family moved to Des Moines where she has remained a lifelong resident. Norma Jean or “Jeanie” is survived by her son, Stephen E. Broad from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and daughter, Karilyn J. (Broad) Jackson and husband Ronald from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Also, surviving are three grandchildren, Terry (Nicole) Jackson, Kristin (Brandon) Herrick and Tyler (Lisa) Jackson and three great grandchildren, Zeke and Lillian Jackson and Evelyn Jean Herrick.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Edwin Earnest Broad of Des Moines, an infant son, James Allen Broad, a twin with Karilyn, her father, Ralph Guy Bent and mother, Ruth Goodspeed Bent from Des Moines and an infant granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Broad, Steve’s daughter. Also, brother Ralph Guy Bent from Shreveport, Louisiana and sister, Annabelle (Bent) Miller from Sarasota, Florida.

Norma Jean and Edwin were married June 7, 1941. They both attended North High in Des Moines where they met and became high school sweethearts. As a young married couple, both Norma Jean and Edwin dedicated their lives to Christ while Ed was serving in the military during WW II stationed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jeanie, aside from being a wonderful mother and homemaker spent several years as an enthusiastic World Book sales representative and several years as a dedicated real estate agent for Century 21 of Des Moines.

Norma Jean devoted many years of loving service to Union Park Baptist Church in Des Moines. Her caring for teenagers and young adults inspired her to teach Sunday school for the “Young Marrieds” and the “High Schoolers”. Besides Sunday school, she was also very active in the music ministry singing in small groups and the church choir. Along with Ed and their children, Steve and Karilyn, the family was very involved in all aspects of church life.

In more recent years, Jean and Ed attended First Federated Church of Des Moines, where she was active in the ministry of teaching “Women in the Word” for many years.

Jeanie was a very gracious host, opening her home to her church family and friends for countless dinners and social gatherings. She is renowned for her famous homemade pies and delicious home cooked meals. Until recently, she was still hosting dinners and her prayer group at her home. Many lives were deeply touched by Norma Jean and as a result, many were saved, giving their lives to Christ as a result of her loving testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held from 2-4pm, Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Iles Westover Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 3, 2017 at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions in loving memory of Jeanie can be made to a Mission program of donor’s choice.

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