Norma Wise

Norma Jean (Birdsong) Wise, 88, of California, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Bluff Creek Terrace in Columbia, Mo. Norma was born Norma Jean Birdsong and was a life-long resident of California, Mo. She was born to Edgar Birdsong and Frederica Maloney Birdsong on June 20, 1927. She married Floyd Wise on January 25, 1946. Floyd preceded her in death in 2013. Floyd and Norma spent their retirement raising Longhorn cattle in California, Mo. The couple attended cattle sales in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma on numerous occasions. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary on January 22, 2006, with a dinner at the Capitol Plaza in Jefferson City. Norma was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in California, serving as an active member, singing in the choir each week and serving on various committees. Norma always considered John 3:16 to be the foundation of Christianity and the verse upon which she trusted her eternal life. Floyd and Norma had three sons: Steve (Cathy), Rick and Brad (Brenda). Norma is survived by: five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one step-grandson; and one step-great-granddaughter. Norma had three sisters, Florence Allee, Jeanette Birdsong and Ruth Monteen Birdsong; and four brothers, Don Birdsong, Brooks Birdsong, Bill Birdsong and Charles Birdsong, all deceased. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 15, at First Baptist Church with the funeral following immediately at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Morrow. The family requests that memorials be donated to The First Baptist Church of California. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.