Norma Lee Bong

At the age of 13, Norma moved to Nashville where she attended the Trevecca Academy (a part of the Nazarene College) and graduated from high school. After graduating she attended Watkin’s Business College and worked her way through school, working at The Great A&P Tea Company. After completing her schooling, she moved to Gulf Port, MS and worked in banking.

In the late 1940’s she moved to El Paso, TX to be closer to her family and there continued to work in the banking industry and began attending the Salvation Army. In 1952, Norma moved to San Francisco to attend the Salvation Army Officer Training College. This is where she met the love of her life, Ernest and they were married in March 1954. Together they served as Salvation Army Officers in Yakima, Seattle and Anacortes, WS. In 1958, they relocated to Merced with their three children, Forrest, Beverly and Barbara and had two more children, Bryan and Beth. They made the decision to resign as officers with The Corp and both began working for the Merced County Welfare Department. Norma retired from the County in 1989. Upon retiring she enjoyed traveling and continuing to serve where ever needed in the church.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, Ernie; five children, Forrest, Beverly (Jeff), Barbara (Gene), Bryan (Cynthia) and Beth; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Norma will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 191, Merced, CA 95341 or Bear Creek Community Nazarene Church, 1717 E. Olive Ave., Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.