Louise Norton

Anna Louise Lawrence, lovingly known as “Mama” was born May 28, 1914 in Charlotte, NC. She moved to New York in the early 1930’s and quickly found employment as a button installer for the U.S. Army. She lived with her uncle in Harlem until she married Daniel Norton Sr. Out of that union came Lottie Mae Norton and Daniel “Sonny” Norton, Jr. Both preceded her to glory. Many years after her marriage and divorce she met and married John B. Calimese. From their union came Melvin, Eugene, and Deborah Calimese.

Mama was known for her hospitality. It would be no surprise to her children to awake in the morning to strangers in their kitchen whom Mama had clothed and fed. She love to dance, pray, and read her Bible everyday. Mama loved to prepare extravagant holiday meals. All were welcome.

Mama is survived by her two sons, Melvin and Eugene Calimese, one daughter, Deborah Calimese, two daughters-in-law, Kim and Gayle Calimese, one son-in-law Kenneth Garrette, 18 grandchildren, over 70 great, great-great, and great-great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

God called her home November 5, 2012 to rest from all her labor. We miss you “Mama” chopping your onions and green peppers, frying that real good chicken; we miss sneaking a slice of your Entenmann’s cake and messing with your Bounty paper towels; we miss racing you down the street walking miles for a bargain; and we miss seeing you kneeling by your be praying everday for each of us. We love you “Mama” but God loves you best