Norma F. Downs

Norma Faye Downs was born November 15, 1942 in Ada, Oklahoma to Ernest Cochran and Mineola Williams. Norma was the third born of 11 siblings. She departed this life following a long illness. The love of her life, Robert Downs precedes her in death.

Norma professed Christ at an early age and was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Long Beach. There she served in many facets of the Church. She was called to serve as a deacon, elder and social worker.

Norma graduated from Mumford High school in Detroit, Michigan where she excelled at Literature and Writing. Shortly after graduation, she left Detroit and moved to California to continue her education. She obtained her Bachelors Degree from California State University Long Beach, and obtained a Masters Degree and MFT from California State University of Dominguez Hills.

While attending Cal State Long Beach, she met Robert. They married December 12, 1964. To this union two loving children were born, Robert Dalton and Karol Lynne.

Norma was an avid traveler and shopper. Her love of both took her to many places including Mexico, Europe and South America. She loved to collect fine porcelain and crystal. Her love of shopping and traveling was passed on to her children.

Norma was dedicated to her family, friends and the community. She was known for her compassion, kindness and empathy towards all. Helping children was her passion. That passion for children was especially evident to the dozens of children in her family. Norma faithfully helped guide and mentor each, niece, nephew, cousin and baby that crossed her path. After 32 years of service at the Los Angeles County Department of Children's Services she retired but her dedication to helping children did not end. She continued to serve the community at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was instrumental in the food program before tutoring, helping kids to obtain reading glasses and a host of mini missions.

Norma is survived by her son Robert Dalton Downs, daughter Karol Downs-Cera, son in law Victor Cera, (Maverick, Neysha and Nashua), sisters Carol Cochran, Barbara and Sharon Tait, Mary Stewart, Judy Holmes and brother Thomas Tait as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews, and cherished cousins and friends.

Acknowledgements

The Family of Norma Downs thanks our village of friends, colleagues and family for your many expressions of love and sympathy. Your words, calls, prayers, cards, flowers, food, hugs and kind and caring thoughts, and other demonstrations of condolence have been a great source of strength and comfort to us.

Heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers over the years for their support and tender loving care bestowed upon her throughout her illness.
May God richly bless each of you.

Internment
Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries
Covina Hills
21300 Via Verde Drive
Covina, CA 91724