Velma Norris

VELMA NORRIS

Central City

Velma Helen (Luke) Norris, wife to George Everett "Buster" Norris and mother to daughter. Kathleen "Kathy" Norris Allen (Scott Christopher Allen), and son, Randall "Randy" Allen Norris (Terri Thurnau Norris), peacefully passed away Dec. 20, 2014.

Formerly of Central City for 42 years, Velma Helen Luke was born July 21, 1920, in Sharon Township, Clinton County, Iowa, to James Luke and Dora (Pavlista) Luke. She lived most recently in the Kansas City area near her son, then in Des Moines near her daughter.

Velma attended country school and graduated from Lost Nation High School and attended fashion design school in Washington, D.C. Using self-taught life skills, she grew bravely independent.

At age 24, she volunteered and served in the U.S. Navy for over nine years as a WAVE in naval communications working with teletype machines. Serving in both World War II and the Korean War she was awarded the Good Conduct medal, American Campaign medal, World War II Victory medal and National Defense Service medal. At Philadelphia's Naval Communications Base, Velma received a citation for her quick action upon learning of President Roosevelt's death. She was honorably discharged and was a charter member of the Women in Military Service American Memorial Foundation.

Upon leaving the Navy, Velma worked at Johnson & Prince and Remington Rand, both in Philadelphia, Pa., and then worked at American Express and the Potash Company of America, both in Washington, D.C.

Velma married George on July 16, 1959, in San Diego, Calif., where they lived until they moved to Oxford Junction, Iowa, in 1963. In 1965, they moved to Central City, Iowa. Velma was a supportive wife for George while he worked a full time job, home business and many hours volunteering.

She devoted herself to raising their children, supervising their education and encouraged their every choice of activities. She led a Blue Birds and Campfire Girls group, was a member of the United Methodist Church and an Eastern Star. For three years she raised funds for the Kiwanis by selling advertising for their Chuck Wagon Races in Central City.

Velma joined the American Legion, starting in Washington, D.C., where she earned her first of several Outstanding Service awards and was inducted into the American Legion Jeepettes. Continuing her devotion to the American Legion in Central City, she served for seven years as the service officer. Velma proposed and led the successful Central City American Legion Memorial Brick fundraiser to build the new Howe Legion Hall.

Along with her cousin, Judy Nelson, Velma passionately researched her family's Czech genealogy. James Luke: son of Vincenc Luk (later Luke) and Anna Beranek; and Dora Pavlista Luke: daughter of Josef Pavlista and Rosina Anna Benischek.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Kathleen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Raymond J. Luke of Maquoketa; husband, George; and son, Randall.

She will be missed.

Graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction.