Obituaries

Norma Jean (Grissom) Whitmore, age 85, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died at her home on March 1, 2024. She was born on January 29, 1939, in Griffithville, Arkansas, to Bernie and Verdie (Rice) Grissom.

Norma grew up in Arkansas and was the youngest of five children. She had two children with her first husband, Bob Reed, before later divorcing. She found love with her second husband, Woody Collins who later tragically passed away from cancer. She married her third husband, Ned Whitmore and moved to Dowagic, Michigan, to raise their family and enjoy the years together.

Norma enjoyed spending time with her friends, great-grandchildren, and her cat. She also enjoyed going to the casino.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Donna (Kim) Messenger of Drummond Island; grandchildren, Somer (Paul) Batman of Drummond Island and Kim Messenger II of Drummond Island; great grandchildren, Ashton Messenger, Rylan Batman, and Jaxtyn Batman.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Ned; son, Darryl Reed; grandchildren, Kyle Messenger, and Brandon Reed; great-grandchild, Ethan Messenger; second husband, Woody Collins; parents, Bernie and Verdie; brothers, Luther Grissom of Kansas City, Kansas, Elmer Grissom of Decatur, Michigan, and Bunton Grissom of Kansas City; and sister, Edna Grissom of Cabot, Arkansas.

Per Norma’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.