Norma Evelyn Boyce

1926 - 2021

Norma Evelyn Boyce

Springfield - Norma Evelyn Bollard Boyce, 94, of Springfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on June 3, 2021, in her home surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 4, 1926 in Mountain View, Missouri to Ada Della Nelson Bollard, "Nanaw", and Joseph Carlton Bollard, "Papa".

Norma moved to Springfield when she was 19 years old, and lived here the rest of her life. She was a graduate of Mountain View High School in Mountain View, Missouri. Afterward, she graduated from Draughon's Business University in Springfield. She was also a graduate of Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education, Drury University with a Master's Degree in Education, and she received a Certificate Degree in Education from the State Department of Education. Teaching was her passion, and she taught school for 27 years in Springfield Public Schools, where she was beloved by students and staff alike, at both Roberson Elementary and Eugene Field Elementary.

Her second career began after the death of her husband in 1984, when she started working at the family's business, Missouri Neon Company. Here she served as Chairman of the Board of Boyce Industries for 34 years. During her time there, she enjoyed working with her family, and the many wonderful employees that she had the pleasure of knowing throughout the years.

Norma was a lifelong member of Central Christian Church, and several Professional Teachers Organizations; including Alpha Delta Kappa, Missouri State Teacher's Association and Springfield Education Association.

Norma is survived by her children, her daughter Connie Sue Boyce Billings and her husband John, her son Larry Vernon Boyce and his wife Kimberly both of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren: Kristen Lynne Haag (Brad) of Overland Park, KS, Anthony Boyce Collins (Angelica), and Cooper and Fabiana Boyce, of Springfield, MO; two great grandchildren: Madelynne and Collin Boyce Haag; and four step-grandchildren: Michael Billings, Christopher Billings, Thomas Billings and Kathleen Phelps. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Vernon Manley Boyce, who was the love of her life, and by her brother, Joseph Carlton Bollard, Jr "Uncle Joe", whom she adored.

Norma had the ability to be friends with anyone, and many friends she had. She spent as much time as she could at Table Rock Lake, and owned several homes at the lake over the years. She was funny, fun-loving, had a great since of humor. She was always ready for a good joke or a party. She was loved by everyone, and will be greatly missed, both at the lake, and in her home, where she thoroughly enjoyed entertaining her family and friends. A special thanks to all of Norma's caregivers for their thoughtful and compassionate care.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 East Seminole, Springfield, MO, with a private family burial to follow at Springfield National Cemetery. Friends may call after 5pm, Wednesday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to The Kitchen 730 N. Glenstone Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 or https://www.thekitcheninc.org/donate/.