Norma Jane (Allen) Bumpus was born February 18, 1934 in Duncan, Oklahoma to adoring parents John Thomas and Annie Bell (Edwards) Allen. She departed on March 28, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, transitioning from the compassionate support of her husband of 61 years, Robert F. Bumpus, Jr. and her family into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Norma was the fifth of six children whose family lived in Duncan until she was three when they moved to Vivian, Louisiana. Her father worked in the oil fields taking the family later from Vivian to Haynesville, Louisiana; Hugoton, Kansas; and Colorado City, Texas. Norma was especially close to her two older sisters, Virginia "Gin" and Lillian Rosemond. At the age of five, Norma came to know Jesus. Her mother was her Sunday School teacher and Norma recalled that her own "young heart was tender toward spiritual readings and Bible messages." In 1952, Norma graduated from Colorado City High School where she participated in drama productions and was named Football Sweetheart. In high school she would leave her friends at lunch time and walk to her "little church" for prayer and fasting service. When the Lord made a way for her to go, Norma enthusiastically attended Bethany Nazarene College, Bethany, Oklahoma, majoring in Elementary Education. At BNC, she met the love of her life, Robert Bumpus, and they were married in Bethany on March 5, 1955. Following their graduations from BNC, the Bumpuses made their home in Birmingham, Alabama. They were blessed with two children: Robert Franklin Bumpus III, born in 1956, and Laronda Ann Bumpus, born in 1958. Throughout their married life, Norma and Robert were partners in every aspect of their family, professional, and avocational lives valuing shared goals of service for Christ. Professionally, Norma enjoyed a thirty-four year career as an educator and a school administrator. She taught third through eighth-grade in Alabama school districts. Later, she served as an Assistant Principal and as a Principal. She was the recipient of numerous teacher and educational administration awards. In 1994, as Leeds (Alabama) Elementary School Principal, Norma traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the U.S. Department of Educations Blue Ribbon award on behalf of her school. Normas teaching philosophy was to inspire and nurture the "total child" giving children opportunities needed to achieve their fullest potential. Her distinctive gift as an administrator was her ability to form partnerships among home, school, and community to fulfill this same educational mission. Parallel to her career, Norma and Robert worked with children and youth in the church. While in college, they began working with youth at Bethany First Nazarene. They continued their work with young people at Birmingham First Church of the Nazarene and at Decatur, Alabama First Church of the Nazarene. Among other roles, they were leaders of Bible Quiz groups and Youth Choirs. At Decatur First Church of the Nazarene, Norma founded, directed and taught in the churchs first Childrens Chapel, a special ministry for children to teach them how to worship. Robert ran the bus ministry to bring children into Childrens Chapel. Norma was able to share the philosophy and administration of the Childrens Chapel ministry with other churches throughout Alabama. Norma also performed choral reading and narrations in cantatas; spoke at womens retreats; planned weddings; and hosted numerous church receptions and banquets. Together, she and Robert were also church planters helping start the Forestdale Nazarene Church in Forestdale, Alabama. They continually shared their home as a haven for missionaries, pastors, and others in need. Guests were met with generous hospitality and open hearts. After retirement, Norma and Robert enjoyed serving through Work and Witness trips and in 1998, they spent several months with Nazarenes in Volunteer Service at the Nazarene Theological College in Muldersdrift, South Africa. Within their families, Norma and Robert helped develop lasting traditions at the cherished Bumpus Family Reunions and Allen Family Christmases. They created Commitment Services for their grandchildren to encourage them to live their lives for God. It was their strong desire to help build lasting relationships within the family and to pass on eternal values of love and service to our Savior Jesus Christ. Normas life is a legacy of inspiration and hope. She gave her very best in service and her hope was placed faithfully in her Savior, Jesus Christ. In turn, she inspired others by helping them discover the "best" in themselves and encouraging others in their commitment to Christ. Wit, laughter, and the life of the party! Courage in the face of adversity. Creativity. Commitment. Class. Beauty. Grace. Purpose. Perseverance. Service. Excellence. "PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME NOW AND FOREVERMORE!" Norma was preceded in death by her cherished parents and siblings: Arden Allen; Virginia Allen Spradlin; Rosemond Allen Roberson; Jerry Allen; and Hershall Allen. She and Robert also lost their son, Robert Franklin Bumpus III, in 2014. She is survived by others in her loving family: husband, Robert; daughter, Laronda (and Phil) DeLong, Oklahoma City; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bumpus, Decatur, Alabama; grandchildren: Franklin Bumpus, Decatur, Alabama; Philip DeLong, Yukon, Oklahoma; Joshua Bumpus, Hudson, Colorado; Lauren DeLong Dorough, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rachel Bumpus Burell, Homewood, Alabama; and Hillary Bumpus, Decatur, Alabama; nine beloved great-grandchildren; and many treasured nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Monday, April 4, 2016 02:00 PM First Baptist Church of Bethany 3800 N. Mueller Bethany, OK 73008