Sharon Rosalene Norris

Sharon Rosalene Ossman Norris, 78, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 2, 2022.

Sharon Norris was born on November 2, 1943, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Rev. Marvin Guy and Ruth Elizabeth (Stocker) Ossman. She lived most of her adult life in Topeka, Kansas.

Mrs. Norris graduated from Miltonvale Wesleyan Academy in Miltonvale, KS, in 1961. She earned an Associates of Arts degree from Miltonvale Wesleyan College in Miltonvale, KS, in 1963; and later earned a Bachelor's of Education degree in 1967 and a Masters of Education degree in 1970, both from Washburn University of Topeka, KS.

She was married to William Joseph Norris on June 4, 1966, in Topeka, KS. He survives.

In Topeka as an adult, Mrs. Norris taught kindergarten at State Street, Lundgren, and Sheldon schools in Topeka #501; preschool at Countryside United Methodist Preschool; and substitute-taught at Cair-Paravel Latin School and also in the Topeka #501, Seaman, and Jefferson West school districts. She worked for the Kansas Department of Administration, Division of Purchases; and part-time at AAA of Kansas, Hilmer's Luggage, Leather and Gifts; Washburn University of Topeka; and St. Francis Health Center.

Mrs. Norris was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene when she died. She was very active for many years in mission ministry – locally, nationally, and globally – and loved going on mission trips to Peru and Mexico. In addition she was a missions speaker and workshop leader. A dedicated volunteer, she also served as church pianist / organist for over 42 years, and in a wide variety of local, district and international responsibilities for The Wesleyan Church and some with The Church of the Nazarene. Mrs. Norris enjoyed being a volunteer for the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in the chapel services for several years starting in 1998. She also worked for the Chaplaincy Department from 2001 until her death, sending every juvenile inmate a birthday card. She was active until 2002, serving both locally and at the Kansas State level with Kairos Torch, a ministry to incarcerated youth until she retired in December of 2019. Mrs. Norris received Distinguished Service Awards from Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church, Topeka on May 31, 1998; and the first Kairos Torch service award (with her husband Bill), Topeka, in May of 2019; and Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, Topeka, in August 2019. She was a former member of the Topeka Genealogical Society and the AAUW. She enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, genealogy, card-making, jokes and especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Norris was preceded in death by her parents Marvin Ossman and Ruth Ossman; and her brother Marvin Charles "Chuck" Ossman. Survivors include her husband, William (Bill) J. Norris; three sons, David J. Norris (Megan) of Wichita, KS, Jason J. Norris of Leawood, KS, and Jonathan W. Norris of Topeka, KS; seven grandchildren, Andrew and Joslyn of Topeka, KS; Jacob and Adelle of Wichita, KS; and Gavin, Joel and Bodie of Leawood, KS.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 7th at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in Topeka, KS. Burial will be at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Norris will lie in state at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka where relatives and friends will meet from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 6th, 2022.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Open Doors USA for the purchase of Bibles for persecuted Christians around the world. Donations may be designated "Open Doors" and given to Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66614.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

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