Arlene Norman

Arlene Olive Kenny was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 9, 1932, to Kenyon and Audrey Kenny and was the elder sister to Beatie. She met her neighbor and future husband, Jack Norman, when she was just 11. They married in 1951 when they were both teenagers and often laughed and said their favorite song was, “Too Young” by Nat King Cole. Arlene and Jack resided in Mantua, Ohio with their five sons for several years until a business opportunity brought them to Florida in 1968 when they traded the harsh Ohio winters for the balmy breezes of Ormond Beach. The family eventually settled in Longwood, Florida in 1972, where they remained for forty years until Jack’s death in 2012. Arlene and Jack attended Calvary Assembly in Winter Park where they served in many areas over the four decades they were members. Arlene was a gracious and loving wife, mother, sister and friend who always had words of encouragement and comfort for loved ones and strangers alike. She was guaranteed to grasp a hand and pray for anyone in need. She never let anyone walk away discouraged or worried—she considered it a privilege to share the love of Jesus and minister to those around her. Arlene was thrilled when her sons married because she finally had the daughters she always longed for and a reason to buy pretty things. As a grandma, she entertained the grandkids with movies, pizza and ice cream dates every week (even if she did fall asleep each time). She had so much joy in giving and doing things for others.

Arlene is survived by her sister, Beatie Norman (Jim) and her five sons: Jack (Kathie), Dennis (Debbie), Bob, Neil (Patty) and Alan (Sheila). She had thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Jack, and her daughter-in-law, Linda.