Norma Irvine Forsyth's Obituary
Norma Ruth Irvine Forsyth of Longview, stepped into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, November 26, 2009 surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, November 30 at the First Baptist Church of Hallsville at 10 AM., with the Rev. Mike Midkiff and Dr. David Massey officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Park Cemetery in Longview. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 4-6 PM at the funeral home.
Norma was born May 30, 1930 in Marshall, Texas to William Ray Irvine and Willie Estelle Pryne Irvine. Norma was a devoted wife, mother, and Mimi. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Lloyd ?Pee Wee? Forsyth, her two sons Mike Forsyth and wife Lesia, Mark Forsyth and wife Amanda, and one daughter, Marianne Forsyth Midkiff and her husband Mike. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Michael Lloyd Forsyth Jr., Felicity Amelia Forsyth, Trevor Christian Forsyth, Britton Joshua Forsyth, Alison Jaye Midkiff, Andrew Michael Midkiff, and Ashton Ray Midkiff, three sisters Dolores Needham, Laverne Cundiff and husband Sam, Paula Fyffe and husband Bill, two sister-in-laws Nancy McCoy and Carol Irvine, best friends, Nita Jane Bolander, Pat Collins, Betty Crump, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, William Ray Irvine Jr., and one grandson, Alexander Lee Midkiff.
Her greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her family and finding delight in their successes. She loved being a Mimi and took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren, she was always their biggest fan. Her wonderful example and legacy of love and Godliness will live on through her children and grandchildren.
She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hallsville where she served her Lord as a pre-school Sunday School teacher for many years. She had been a loving member of both the Ruth and Friendship Sunday School classes and was the church library coordinator. Previously, she attended First Baptist Church of Longview where she ministered to mentally disabled children for several years. Serving her Savior was always her top priority.
After beginning her service with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator at the age of 17, she rose to the position of Manager of Operator Services over an outstanding 31-year career in both the Marshall and Longview offices.
Upon retiring from the Telephone Company in 1983, she spent the next 26 years ministering to those around her through visiting the elderly and infirmed. She spread her love by sharing books and flowers with others who needed encouragement. She had a kind and gentle spirit that touched the lives of many.
Special Thanks to Beacon Hospice at Margret?s House for their loving care and support.
The Family requests that memorial donations be made to the Library Fund of First Baptist Church of Hallsville.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2Timothy 4:7
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