Norma Harris

Norma June Bowden Harris, 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Oklahoma City on May 4, 2025.

She was the only child of Patterson Bowden and Esther Evelyn Tiner Bowden. A vibrant and talented child, Norma, was invited at age 5 to perform tap dancing and a daring 12-foot ladder dive at the 1938 World’s Fair in Los Angeles.

Norma attended Hawthorne Elementary, Taft Junior High, and graduated from Classen High School in 1951. She studied at the University of Oklahoma and later graduated from Draughon School of Business.

On March 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, Glenn Eugene “Bud” Harris, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Together, they joyfully raised four children in five years, a feat Norma lightheartedly credited to Bud “coming home for lunch a lot.”

The couple joined Quail Creek Golf & Country Club in 1962, where Norma remained a member for over 60 years. In 1964, they built their first custom home in Quail Creek. At “The Farm”, a nearby Harris family property, they hosted countless family picnics, weddings, and community events.

Inspired by her father’s refusal to buy her a new dress, Norma resolved never to depend on anyone else for her success and to not let the word “No” stand in her way. In 1970, she earned her real estate license and began her career with Lloyd Murrell Real Estate in Nichols Hills. Just three years later, while raising a family, Norma fulfilled a desire to build something of her own and founded Harris Realty, Oklahoma’s first woman-owned brokerage firm. Norma eventually led a team of 89 agents and all her children proudly earned their real estate licenses under her encouragement.

Norma was a devout Christian throughout her life, attending several churches including Olivet Baptist, First Baptist, Nichols Hills Baptist, and Crossings Community Church. Two of her fondest memories were attending Falls Creek summer camp and helping her children in “Scouting and Bluebirds”.

A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Norma enjoyed playing at Quail Creek and traveling to tournaments in Scottsdale and California, even attending the French Open. She cherished her time at Lake Tenkiller, where she loved her little cabin and boating with family, despite never learning to swim. Norma was very sociable and always ready to host guests and events in her home. Norma’s love of fine china, crystal, and silver. Led her to be a member of the Early American Glass Club

Norma had a profound impact on her community. She served as:

• Past Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution
• Worthy Advisor, Rainbow Girls Chapter 125
• Member, Junior Hospitality Club
• President, Penn & Quill Book Club (2003–2004)
• Honoree, “Ladies in the News”
• PTA President, Quail Creek Elementary
• Board Member, Classen High School Alumni and Heritage Hall
• Board Member, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center Foundation (from 1995), receiving the Circle of Excellence Award and the Charles “Bud” Pinkerton Award in 2004
• Past Vice President, OKC Metropolitan Board of Realtors

Norma delighted in taking her daughters and granddaughters to the ballet, pageants, theatre, and the Rockettes. She loved to shop for loved ones and was always planning her next Dallas Market trip.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, William Carson Harris, and her husband of 59 years, Bud Harris.

She is survived by:

• Glenn Steven and Dawn Longacre Harris, Kelly and Eliot Harris Dennard, Caroline, Brooks and Audry Dennard, Tripp Harris, Max and Shelby Harris, Ryker and Charlotte Harris, Alexis Herr and Paul Welch. Norma is preceded in death by William Carson Harris.
• Steve and Linda Harris Parduhn, Blake Lippert and Gregory Neff, Myles and Tori Lippert Kristof, Kennedy, Khloe and Kruz Kristof. Parker and Laura (Lolli) Lippert Rittenberry, Jax and PK Rittenberry. Sebian and Bailey Parduhn McFalls, Brooklyn and Foster McFalls. Hannah and Brandon Parduhn.
• Megan Estep Belmore and Juliana and Charlotte Belmore
• Chan and Laura Harris Baker, Chandler Baker, Whit and Daisy Baker Hull.
• Alma and Hal Harris, Nicola and Beau Harris, Justin and Bailey Katherine Harris. Christine and Grace Manglicmot
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Norma will be remembered for her grace, optimism, fierce independence, and devotion to family and community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norma’s memory to Heritage Hall, honoring Will Carson Harris.

A private “Celebration of Life” will be scheduled.