Cornerstone Television Co-Founder Norma Bixler Dies at 86

Norma Bowman Bixler, co-founder of the Cornerstone Television Network in Pittsburgh, has passed away at age 86.

Norma passed peacefully from her home on Oct. 26, surrounded by family, as they listened together to “The Hallelujah Chorus.”

“Mom has passed on from labor to reward,” son Paul Bixler said. “While it’s a difficult time for us as a family, it’s also a celebration of her life and legacy.”

Norma was greatly loved and admired by partners and viewers worldwide. In addition to founding a ministry that reaches across the nation and around the world, she also hosted numerous television programs, such as Getting Together and Focus 4.

Most recently, she appeared as a co-host on Cornerstone’s current flagship program Real Life and the weekend edition of Signs and Wonders. Norma’s presence on-air added a special mother’s touch and helped to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“It’s with a personal sense of loss, but nevertheless with a joyful heart, that we release Norma into the loving arms of Jesus,” says Cornerstone President Don Black. “Please keep the Bixler family and our Cornerstone family in your prayers. She was much more than a founder, board member and personal mentor. Norma was a mother, grandmother, visionary, encourager and dear friend! She was a leader of extraordinary faith and valor.”

Norma Bixler’s role in television ministry began in 1969, when God gave Norma a vision to build a Christian television station in Pittsburgh. At the time, Norma was a middle-aged housewife and mother of four—a seemingly unlikely choice for God to give such an assignment. However, she was the perfect choice for the job, because God knew that the road ahead would require strong and determined faith.

After 10 years of faithful prayer and perseverance, Cornerstone Television Network finally went on the air on April 15, 1979, and it has continued to be a beacon for sharing the Good News. 

Throughout her 36-year ministry at Cornerstone, Norma was known for her vibrant, warm and humble personality. No one was as relaxed and confident as Norma Bixler on air. She was at home in the studio, and many viewed her as a faithful mom and friend. They soon discovered that the loving, gentle person seen on-air was the same person off-camera.

Norma Bixler, a native of Virginia, attended Bridgewater College in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, where she met her husband Russell Bixler. When Russell Bixler, Cornerstone’s cofounder and CEO, died in January 2000, Norma carried on the vision and mandate the Lord had given.

Norma had a great heart for people coming to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her greatest desire throughout her 36-year ministry at Cornerstone was to help people experience the joy and happiness of knowing her Savior. She will be remembered as a faithful prayer warrior, mentor to the Cornerstone staff and viewers alike, a cherished person in the community and a gracious host on Cornerstone Television Network’s flagship program, Real Life.

Norma is survived by her four children: Kathryn and George Steiner (Monument, Colorado), Paul and Faye Bixler (Irwin, Pennsylvania), Harold and Clare Bixler (Van, Texas), and John and Lori Bixler (Aurora, Colorado). Norma is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Rebecca and husband Joshua, Meredith, Drew and wife Caitlyn, Jill and husband Jason, Anna, Audrey, Lisa and husband Alec, Mollie, Kellie, Rachel, Megan and six great-grandchildren, Bryce, McKenna, Delaney, Kelsey, Marleigh and Drake. Norma was preceded in death by her sister Sue Smith. She is also survived by her brother Charles Bowman and his wife Nona, her sister Janet Canady and her husband Ray, and brother-in-law Gene Smith.

The complete story of Norma Bixler’s miraculous journey (alongside husband Russell Bixler) is chronicled in Faith Works by Russell Bixler and the companion book Faith Wins by Norma Bixler. Cornerstone Television Network’s televised memorial program will be announced at www.ctvn.org/norma, as details become available.