Norma Colyer

Norma Bay (Erwin) Colyer was born March 9, 1922, 96 years ago. She was born a farm girl and considered herself just that until she died. Her father Clarence Erwin was a farmer and livestock trader. Her mother Bay Jenkins was a school teacher. Her two older brothers (Carson and Alva) were farmers and teachers. The tradition has continued with her family: education and love of the land. Daughter Carol Nimmo (Roger) and son Judge Bruce Colyer (Sally) and their spouses, 4 grandchildren have all been educators. Norma was the glue that held the family together - 2 children, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren. All wanted to be like her.

Norma first went to Pleasant Hill, a very small country school close to Willmathsville, MO. On cold days her dad would be waiting on his horse so she didn't have to walk home. She was the baby of the family, the only girl. She attended high school in Kirksville, and then went on to the state teachers college there. She majored in mathematics and graduated in 1942. In 1963 she returned for her Master's, the first year Kirksville offered a Master's Degree in mathematics. Her first job was teaching in Atlanta, MO. It was the war years. In 1946 Kenneth Colyer returned from the war, and they married. They moved to Bloomfield, Iowa and raised their two children. It was home for 48 years. For 3 years Norma taught in Troy, Iowa. For 31 years she taught math classes in Bloomfield. In all she was an educator for 40 years. She thought she was the luckiest teacher in the world with all those wonderful students. Her first years' students were replaced with their children, and even grandchildren. "You were my mother's teacher"(or father's or siblings) would be said each year. She liked the connection, and followed her "kids" successes her whole life. We, her family, think they were the luckiest kids in the world to have our mother as their teacher.

On May 11, 1987 she had open heart surgery. She retired from education. Florida, with its ideal weather for golf and walking, became home. In 2012 Ken and Norma moved to Kahoka. The neighbors would marvel at this 90+ year old woman walking around the block. When she met you she not only knew you but your kids, your dogs, your cats. Her memory was amazing. Her caring and humanity more so. Gradually crossword puzzles and Jeopardy replaced walking around the block. Vision and hearing worsened, her heart grew weaker, but her spirit remained strong. Husband Kenneth died in June. Norma Colyer died December 31, 2018.

There will be no services. in memory, say a prayer, hug a teacher, and pass on a good deed.

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