Norma B. Bixler

Norma Bowman Bixler, 86 went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2015. She passed in her home in Harrison City surrounded by her loving family. Norma was born on November 23, 1928 in Roanoke, Virginia, to Stover and Fannie Bowman. She attended Bridgewater University in 1946 where she met her future husband, Russell Bixler. Norma and Russell were married in 1948 and were inseparable throughout their lives. After receiving a call to ministry in 1956 Norma and Russell moved their family to Bethany Theological seminary in Chicago. Then in 1959, Russell became pastor of the Pittsburgh Church of the Brethren. Norma and Russell served the Church of the Brethren until 1972. In 1969, Norma received the vision for a Christian television station in Pittsburgh. She and Russell founded Western Pennsylvania Christian Broadcasting (later Cornerstone TeleVision). With no experience and little financial backing, Norma and her husband proceeded forward and on Easter Sunday, 1979, Cornerstone TeleVision went on the air and remains their legacy to this day, broadcasting Christian programming 24 hours a day. After Russell’s death in January, 2000, Norma remained fully immersed with Cornerstone TeleVision and continued her mission there until the time of her passing. Norma was honored in 2011 with the Salvation Army’s highest honor, the “Catherine Booth Award”, named after the co-founder of the Salvation Army, for “giving unselfishly of her time and ability in service to humanity, while demonstrating active moral and social leadership.” In 2014, Norma completed her autobiography, Faith Wins! complimenting Russell’s last published book, Faith Works! Publicly and privately, Norma lived a life of faith in God up until her last breath. Norma is survived by her four children: Kathryn and George Steiner, Paul and Faye Bixler, Harold and Clare Bixler and John and Lori Bixler. Norma is also survived by eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; her brother Charles Bowman and wife Nona, sister Janet Canady and husband Ray and brother in law Gene Smith. She was preceded in death by her sister Sue Smith. At Norma’s request there will be no public viewing. A memorial service worshiping God and celebrating Norma’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday November 21, 2015, at Greater Works Outreach, 301 College Park Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146, with Rev. Gary Mitrik, officiating. Private interment was held in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin, 724-863-1200, is in charge of funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to support “Origins”, a television program originally hosted by Russell Bixler. Donations can be made to Cornerstone Network, Signal Hill Drive, Wall, PA 15148. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Norma B. Bixler

November 23, 1928 - October 26, 2015