Norma K French

In Loving Memory of Norma Kay French Faithful Servant, Joyful Musician, Cherished Matriarch—with a Spark of Sass Heaven’s music just got a whole lot better—and probably a little more organized—because Norma Kay French (née Clapp) has taken her seat at the eternal organ bench. A lifelong musician, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Norma’s life was a beautiful harmony of faith, love, laughter, and grit. Born to Edward and Jane Clapp, Norma began playing the organ at church at the age of 13. From that moment on, worship spaces across the years were filled with her music—bold when it needed to be, gentle when the Spirit called for it, and always played with heart. Whether leading hymns or accompanying choirs, Norma believed in making a joyful noise—and expected you to sing along in the right key. She married the love of her life, Chuck French, and together they shared 60 years of laughter, partnership, and perfectly pitched duets. They raised two children, Jim French (Stephanie) and Tammy (French) Melvin (Jeff), who inherited both their parents’ deep sense of faith and their slightly mischievous sense of humor. Norma adored her grandchildren—Tyler (Erica), Matt (Amanda) & Hayley (Melvin) Golightly (Dillon); Torrie, Cameron (Alyssa), Chris & Alli French—and delighted in her great-grandchildren: Kenzie Melvin, Isla and Brooks Golightly, Bexley and Ruelle French. She was a hands-on grandma, the kind who showed up with cookies, music, and maybe a sly joke or two. Norma served faithfully as an auditor for Palisades Nuclear Plant for 25 years, bringing diligence, intelligence, and a steady sense of humor to the job. She also had a gift for friendship, sharing life’s sweetest moments with her beloved “gang of eight”—Pat and Ken Ratzlaf, Carol and Roger Courser, and Ben and Thelma Cox—faithful travel companions to Gaither Family Fests in Gatlinburg, sunny Florida winters, and more than a few adventures that included church laughter and buffet lines. Norma sang with the Simpson Quartet—Roger Valentine, Ann Stickels, Chuck French, and Norma herself—bringing harmony and Gospel joy to congregations and even a minor league baseball crowd when they sang the national anthem together. She continued singing in choirs at Simpson UMC and Coronado UMC during her treasured snowbird seasons. And of course, who could forget the time the organ she was playing started smoking? Unshaken and unfazed, Norma did what any great church musician would do—she finished the hymn. Because in Norma’s world, the music (and the service) must go on. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Courser, and brother-in-law Roger, who shared in a lifetime of memories and laughter. Norma’s life was one of melody and mission. She was elegant, witty, and grounded in faith. Whether seated at the organ, behind a desk, or around the table with her family, Norma lived with kindness, wisdom, and a twinkle in her eye that said, “We’ll get through this—and we might just laugh while we do.” A service to celebrate her life and resurrection will be held at Simpson United Methodist Church on July 7, 2025. The visitation will begin at 11am with the service following at Noon. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held in the social hall. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to be made to Simpson United Methodist Church and/or Corewell Health Hospice. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” — and Norma did, beautifully, faithfully, and even when the organ was literally smoking.

Norma K French

August 2, 1945 - June 30, 2025