Norma Heath

Norma Anne Jarrels Heath, 90, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Born two months prematurely on October 24, 1934, on her family’s farm near Port Republic, Norma was the youngest child of the late Kemper and Ruby Showalter Jarrels. Her early years on the farm, surrounded by her devoted siblings, shaped her resilient spirit and love for an active life.

Norma was part of the first graduating class of Montevideo High School in 1951. She continued her education at Bridgewater College, where she played basketball, displaying her lifelong passion for athletics. After college, Norma served as a secretary at Merck & Co. before joining the Student Activities office at Madison College (now James Madison University), where her love of people and organizational skills left a lasting impact.

Norma’s vibrant community involvement included active membership at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren and Otterbein United Methodist Church, as well as participation in the Greenville Garden Club, the Junior Woman’s Club, and the Harrisonburg Republican Women. Her competitive spirit found a new outlet in tennis, which she played with enthusiasm in Harrisonburg and Naples, Florida, well into her later years.

On November 3, 1956, Norma married C. Robert “Bob” Heath, embarking on a 59-year partnership filled with love and shared endeavors until his passing in 2015. As a dedicated homemaker and partner to Bob, an insurance executive, city council member, and mayor, Norma managed his election campaign and supported his varied projects with unwavering commitment. Together, they built a legacy of family, service, and community. Norma was a friend to all.

Eight siblings predeceased Norma: Mable (Mearl) Gordon, Leo (Honoria) Jarrels, Mary (Walton) Flook, Warren (Mary Catherine) Jarrels, Janie Jarrels, Hetty (Gene) Wagner, K.R. “Dickie” (Connie) Jarrels, and W.B. “Bennie” (Betty) Jarrels. She is survived by her brother John (Helen) Jarrels of Bridgewater, her children Holly (Bill) Mullin and Hank Heath, and five grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grandy”: Will (wife Lauren Faust) Mullin, Rob Mullin (fiancé Devon Taylor), Andrew Heath, Greg Heath (partner Brooke Eliason), and Caroline Heath. Norma also cherished her role as great-grandmother to Joshua and Leah Mullin, and she held dear her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In keeping with her generous spirit, Norma donated her body to the Virginia Anatomical Program to advance medical education.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren.

Norma requested that friends honor her memory with a prayer, a fond recollection, or a kind thought. For those wishing to contribute financially, the family suggests donations to Mill Creek Church of the Brethren, 7600 Port Republic Road, Port Republic, VA 24471, Otterbein United Methodist Church, 176 West Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, the VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or the Heath-Mullin Family Scholarship at James Madison University, 1031 Harrison St, MSC 3603, Adv Gifts & Records, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807-0002.

Norma’s legacy of love, kindness, strength, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.