Violet Jean Norwood

Violet Jean (Bartlett) Norwood, 86, of Conway, Arkansas, formerly of Morrilton, AR went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband Ray on Tuesday, March 26th, 2013, with her daughters by her side. She was born on March 25th, 1927 in Appleton, AR, the daughter of Dewey and Monnie Bartlett also of Appleton, AR. Violet (Jeannie to some) worked for Levi Strauss in Morrilton until her daughters were born, spending the rest of her life raising them and supporting her husband in the family excavating business by keeping the books, directing traffic and anything else that was needed. She was also an excellent seamstress with many enjoying her work. Violet and Ray had a true love story, meeting just 2 weeks before he went off to Saipan for 2 years during WWII. She waited and upon his return they were married and remained so for nearly 65 years. Anyone that knew Violet simply described her as "sweet". She had a wonderful laugh that was heard often. Poke fun at her and she was most likely to say you needed to "tell another one to prop that up". Set in her ways and firm when her mind was made up, Daddy was the King, but Momma was boss. It is difficult to put her long life into so few words, she loved well and she was well loved, who could ask for more? Our sweet Mama and "Nanny" will be greatly missed by all of her family, friends and neighbors. In one of her many notebooks she wrote "Whether you live 10 years or 100 years, Eternity is only a moment away. Eternity is always perched on our doorstep. Life is a limited amount of time. Use yours for what you consider important. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it." Violet is survived by daughters Renee Gates (Fred) of Greenbrier and Michelle Perrine (Greg) of Conway. Her grandson, David Gates of Greenbrier, granddaughter, Kellirae Perrine of Conway and great grandson, Logan Gates of Greenbrier. Step-grandchildren Shane Gates (Kim) of Conway, Chris Gates of Conway, Matt Perrine of Fayetteville, AR and Kari Perrine of Lakeville, MN. Her sister Hilda Chapman of Oroville, CA, and nephew Harley Chapman Jr. (Eleanor) of Truckee, CA. Special friends Sara Gates of Greenbrier, Jim & Marie Bowling of Morrilton. Family visitation will be held at the Harris Funeral Home Chapel in Morrilton, Arkansas at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2013, followed by Funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Old Hickory Cemetery at Hattieville, Arkansas by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

Violet Jean Norwood

March 25, 1927 - March 26, 2013