Norma Louise (Harper) Petway was born October 6, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland to Louis Thomas Harper, Sr. and Florence Eva Woodson.

She graduated from Edmonson High School in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962. In high school, she served on the student council and was a member of the basketball and track teams. She also participated in reading competitions and book clubs.

She was married to the love of her life,Vann Earl Petway, for 33 years in Baltimore, MD and to this union five children were born; Vann, Silinda, Yvonne, Florence, and Bryan.

Norma worked at First Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri for over a decade as Assistant Director of the Mother’s Day Out Children’s Program and served in various ministries such as Women’s Aglow, Sunday School,and IMPACT Infant Resource Center displaying her altruistic personality and vibrant energy. Norma was the definition of a woman of noble character. Her faith in Christ, compassion for others, strength, dignity, and wisdom was an inspiration and example to always strive for excellence and serve a higher purpose.

She took pleasure in spending time with family and friends, gardening, bowling and volunteering her time in the community. She had a sharp sense of humor and magnetic personality. She was always ready to travel and experience life to the fullest.

Norma, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at her home in Blue Springs, Missouri.

She leaves to mourn her passing four children, Silinda Eley (Richard) of Kansas City, Missouri, Yvonne Petway of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Florence Rochelle Petway of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Bryan Petway (Scheanda) of Chicago, Illinois; six grandchildren, Vanessa Ragland (Donovan), Erica Fletcher (Anthony), Victoria Bomar,, Iylana Petway, Justyce Petway, and Tahrique Petway; six great-grandchildren, Christian Ragland, Corrine Ragland, Carson Ragland, Capri Williams, Adrian Fletcher, and Zayn Fletcher; two sisters, Gwendolyn Tyson and Eleanor Harper; one brother, Theodore Harper, Jr. all of Baltimore, Maryland; one brother-in-law, Donnie Ray Petway (Lela) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and one sister-in-law, Reva Morris of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Vann Earl Petway; her son, Vann Eric Petway; parents Louis and Florence Harper; two sisters, Caroline Harper and Loretta Harper; and one brother; Louis Thomas Harper, Junior.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Park Lawn Funeral Home; 8251 Hillcrest Rd. Kansas City, MO 64138. 

Funeral Service will be Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 10 AM at Friendship Baptist Church. 

Norma will be laid to rest in Leavenworth National Cemetery. 

Condolences may be e-mailed to wecare@parklawnfh.com