Joan L. Norton, 79, Brighton
Joan L. Norton, 79, passed away on September 28, 2024 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She was born on the family farm near Brighton, the daughter of Marion and Tempest Houston Farrier. Joan, mostly known as “Jo” by her friends and family, was born May 9, 1945. She grew up in Brighton, IA and always had fond memories and stories of her childhood family farm and attended a one room country school near their farm. Joan married Gary “Doc” Norton and they were later divorced. She worked at Perfex in Washington for several years.
Joan is survived by her three daughters Rita (Scott) Sells of Walcott, IA, Renée (Rick) McBride of North Liberty, IA and Robyn Daye of Blue Springs, MO. She had 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Jo came from a large family and remained close to her four surviving sisters Betty (Whitey) Fahy of Scottsdale, AZ, Etta (Ken) Wakeland of Wayland, IA, Wanda (Charlie) Lowe of Washington, IA and Kay (Dick) Pohren of Pleasant Plain, IA. Her friends held a special place in her heart and she never met a stranger. She will always be remembered for making the best fudge over the holidays, having a big smile on her face and she loved to dance. Jo was a force to be reckoned with and had a deep love for her daughters, family, and friends.
Joan was preceded in death by her Parents: Marion & Tempest Farrier, Grandson DJ Willenbring, Brothers: Hal Farrier (his daughter Jackie and son Andy), Les Farrier, Tub Farrier, JR Farrier (his wife Jan & son Bobby), infant brother Gerald, Nephews: Tom Pohren and Bill Behrands.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at Gould Funeral Home in Brighton, IA Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 am. A reception will immediately follow at the Brighton Community Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Heart Association. These may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family: Renée McBride, 715 Penn Ridge Dr., North Liberty, IA 52317. Gould Funeral Home of Brighton is assisting the family.