On January 6, 2023 at the age of 98, our sweet Mother, Norma Jean Spicketts passed away
peacefully in her sleep. She was born on April 28, 1924 in Kalamazoo, Michigan daughter of the
late Carroll Stanton DesVoignes and Katherine Marie (Beard) DesVoignes. She was also
preceded in death by her step-mother Mildred (Gish) DesVoignes. In addition, she was
preceded in death by her loving husband Joseph G. Spicketts, and her beloved son Stephen
Lee Spicketts in a 1977 tragic car accident. And she was preceded in death by the recent death
of her daughter Carol Marie Colwell.

Norma had an amazing life. Not easy from the beginning.

Her Mom, Katherine, died at 28 yrs. old when Norma was only 2. Her and her sister Evelyn had
no mom to turn to. They walked 5 miles to and from school every day. They had no plumbing,
no heat, no electricity. She told so many incredible stories about her life in the early1920's.
She and her husband were members of St. Monica, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, St. Joe,
Catholic church. She was currently in an assisted living resident at White Oaks in Lawton. And
also, was cared for by Senior Care Partners in Kalamazoo. She worked all her life. Loved
fishing along the river with her grandpa who she stayed with all the time. She adored him and
he adored her. Her grandma had long hair that flowed down past her waist, and mom loved to
braid it for her. She loved to cook and was a true entrepreneur. She had a dream to open a
restaurant and she did. It was located in Oakwood, in the late 60's and early 70's. After she
retired, she volunteered at Borgess and Bronson hospitals and at local schools. She loved
reading to the children. Norma loved not only cooking but nature. One of her happiest times was
watching the, deer and feeding the birds in her back yard. She loved humming birds and lady
bugs. She fed the squirrels by hand. Her favorite time of day was looking out in her back yard
watching the sunrise and sunsets. It was how she always started and ended her day. Norma
loved her children and grandchildren. Mom always said, "Life has its ups and downs. But be
grateful you have them…it makes you who you are. Stay positive, seize every day and always
see the good in your life." She taught her children to never give up. That in life having love in
your heart, being grateful, optimistic, kind, forgiving, believing tomorrow will be better is leading
a good life. This was Norma Jean! Well done, Mom! You are our hero. We love you so much.
You are forever in our hearts. Now you are in the arms of your mom, father, dad, Stevie, Carol,
your sister Evelyn, and your Grandma and Grandpa. May God, Mary, the Angels and
Archangels bless you and hold you. Until we meet again…We love you, Mom.

Norma is survived by her son, Anthony J. Spicketts, her daughter Katherine Ann (Gary)
Nickerson, 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Interment will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. ❤