Norma Joan (Bunch) Taylor

Norma Joan (Bunch) Taylor, 83, of Eldon, Missouri, died on November 18, 2024, at Westphalia Hills nursing home.  She was born June 17, 1941, in Bagnell, Missouri, the daughter of Leonard and Rita (Gier) Bunch.  She was married June 20, 1959, to James William Taylor, who preceded her in death on December 5, 2018.

She was a devoted wife and mother, caring for her home and children throughout her husband’s 20-year military career in the U.S. Air Force.  Through later years, she was employed as a seamstress at Pace’s Clothing in Eldon and as a sales associate at Spin City in Osage Beach.  In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, reading, traveling, going to concerts and listening to music.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eldon.

Survivors include: two sons, James A. “J.T.” Taylor (Janet Conner) of Stover, Missouri, and Jeffrey D. Taylor (Rebecca) of Jefferson City, Missouri; one daughter, Janet Prewitt Mertens (Jeff) of Loose Creek, Missouri; three sisters, Kay Pace and Fonda Bunch of Eldon, and Arlinda Martien (Ron) of Godfrey, IL; one brother, Darrell Bunch (Ruby) of Eldon; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband; both parents; one sister, Carol Janet Bunch; one son-in-law, Barry Prewitt; and one grandson, Steven Ross Dunlap.

Visitation will be Monday, November 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mr. Anthony Valdes officiating.  Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child ministry through memorials made to the First Baptist Church OCC Account.  Memorials also suggested to the American Parkinson Disease Association-Missouri Chapter 16100 Chesterfield Parkway W Suite 125 Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.      

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