Norma Glara Godfrey

Norma was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946 on St. Patrick’s Day. For the longest time she thought

the parade was for her on her birthday.

She has an older sister Jo-Ann and little brother Rudy. In 1954 the family moved to Queens where she

graduated from high school. Her parents owned a furniture store, and Norma worked there. Her father

was Baptist, and her mother Methodist, but she was raised Presbyterian when they moved to Queens. A

presbyterian minister visited them, and her mother was very impressed with him.

Norma married her high school sweetheart Jesse in 1964, and they were still happily married. In 1966

daughter Dayle was born, in 1968 Cheryl, and in 1972 Myia. In 1978 the family moved to Oregon, due to

Jesse’s job with AT&T. Norma’s oldest daughter Dayle passed away in 1995. Norma and Jesse raised her

three daughters after Dayle’s death.

Norma enjoyed Scrabble, Crossword puzzles, bowling, and watching all sports. She was very interested

in education. Her father always told them knowledge is something no one can take away from you. Her

father exposed the family to many cultures. Sundays were always family time. Norma especially enjoyed

being with family. Which consisted of seven Grandchildren and five Great-Grandchildren. They were the

joy of her life!

Norma volunteered at Humbolt School, Jefferson High School, and S.E.I. She was a Grandparent to many

and was known affectionally as “Granny”. She was awarded the S.E.I grandparent of the year award. She

was also awarded the Spirit of Portland Humanitarian award in 2007. She heard about Ainsworth United

Church of Christ from her friend Mary Sheetz. Norma joined the Church in January 2007 and served on

the Worship Commission until her death.

Her Philosophy was “Therefore by the grace of God go I” God put everyone on earth for a reason. She

was a role model, letting young people know the importance of education.

Norma Godfrey was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jesse Godfrey, daughter Dayle Hill, and

granddaughter Alexandria Martin. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Cheryl & Johnny

Brookins, Myia & Jerome Stark; grandchildren Tanisha, McKenzie, Astrid (Antha), Monterae (C.J), Joshua

(Crystal), and Mercedes; great grandchildren Dayle, Ariana, Princeton, Pharaoh, and Venellope; siblings

Jo-Ann Estella and Rudolph Gatling; And a host of other Relatives and Friends.

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