Norma J. Harris

Norma Jean Harris, age 83, of Escanaba, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 at her home in Escanaba. She was born on April 13, 1938 in Flint, MI, the daughter of Orvel and Lona Belle (Foster) Blake. The Blake family lived in Appalachian, TN and also Missouri before relocating to Flint, MI where Orvel was employed by the Ford Motor Company. She attended school in Flint and was a graduate of Flint Central High School. The former Norma Blake married Hubert “Hugh” Duane Harris on April 7, 1956 in Flint, MI and he preceded her in death on May 26, 1996. Together, the couple shared 40 years of marriage and raised 3 sons, Mike, Steve, and Dave. Hugh and Norma relocated to the Rapid River in 1956. Two years later in 1958, they moved to Escanaba and opened State Wide Real Estate. The couple owned and operated the company until their retirement and their sons continued on with the family business. Norma greatly enjoyed traveling the world with Hugh, she was a master at crossword puzzles, and loved having a weekly meal with the grandkids. She never had a thing out of place and was a wonderful cook. Norma and Hugh were not only parents to their three boys, but known as a parent-figure to many kids in the area. Norma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many who will be greatly missed.

Norma is survived by her sons, Mike Harris of Escanaba, Steve (Christine) Harris of Iron Mountain, MI, and Dave (Mary) Harris of Escanaba; 4 grandchildren, Andrew “Drew” Harris of Escanaba, Sydney (Jacob) Wilson of Wilson, MI, Hugh Harris of Iron Mountain, MI, and Sarah Harris of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Faye Langley of Winter Haven, FL; brother, Ken Blake of Mansfield, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Norma was preceded in death by her siblings, Marvin, Delbert “Deb,” Keith, Floyd, and Ruth.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the visitation at State Wide Real Estate, 2015 1st Avenue North in Escanaba. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Delta Animal Shelter or The Salvation Army. 

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