Norma Jean Crichlow-Perez

Norma Jean Crichlow-Perez ascended to glory on Friday, December 23, 2016. She was born in Hempstead, New York on December 12, 1957. Norma was the third of four children born to Pearson and Joyce Crichlow. Born in Uniondale, New York, she received her early education in the New York public school system and graduated from Westbury High School in 1976. Ultimately, she obtained her degree in Food and Beverage Management from the College of Southern Nevada in June 2000. For all who knew Norma she was an over-achiever! She had a burning desire and empathy for the people she touched. She accepted and knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and had a heartfelt relationship with him. No matter the challenges in life, she would find her way there with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. She began her military career in the United States Air Force in May 1980 and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant in May 2000. Her most significant military achievements were leading Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas Nevada to winning the prestigious John L. Hennessy Award in 1997 along with “Best in Air Combat Command” in 1997, 1998 and 1999, as recognized by the National Restaurant Association for having the “Best Food Service Operations in the entire United States Air Force.

Additionally, she was called upon to lead a team of military professionals to assist with the relocation of the 4404th Provisional Wing, Dhahran Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after terrorist bombing devastated this region. The Department of Defense anticipated this relocation process would take six months, but because of Norma’s leadership, the relocation efforts were accomplished in 45 days which exceeded military expectations from the regions to the highest levels of the Pentagon.

Following her 20-year dedication and commitment to the United States Air Force, Norma went on to embark on a second career in Food and Beverage Management at the Prestigious “Five Star Five Diamond” Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Due to her exceptional leadership, The Las Vegas Review Journal recognized her for having the “Best Employee Restaurant” in the city of Las Vegas in August 2004. She was promoted to General Manager in 2007.

For those who knew her, she will be remembered as someone who was willing to explore and experience life with minimal fear. She was a person who had an enormous capacity to love unconditionally. Her hobbies included: Old School R & B music, she loved to dance, loved to cook and was a master crafts woman with her beautiful design of costume jewelry. She had an outrageous sense of humor and possessed the ability to make people laugh; she was a caring and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother who had a positive impact on the lives of many around the world. Norma’s legacy to this world was her heartfelt love and empathy for others and her strong desire and leadership for achieving excellence in all she touched.

Norma married her soul-mate and life-partner Tim Perez in 2007. Tim and Norma have been best friends and life partners for 30 years.

Norma was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ruby Beaton and her parents Joyce and Pearson Crichlow. Norma leaves to cherish her memories her devoted and dedicated husband Tim Perez, six precious children, Christopher (Felicia M.) Crichlow, Danielle McClendon, Tim Perez II, Tekisha Perez, Ebony (Rae’Shaud B.) McClendon Perez and Keannyelle Crichlow Perez; three siblings, Marguerite (Curtis) Brown, Las Vegas, NV, Robin (Billy) Bullock Killeen, TX, and Pearson (Sandrea) Crichlow II Hayward Ca; six brother in-laws, Mermon (Patricia) Elliott, South Bend, IN, Jimmy (Penny) Hudson, Chicago, Kenny (Sandra) Perez, Los Angeles, CA, Tyrone (Juanita) Perez, Michael (Joyce) Perez and Errol Perez, Chicago, IL; and nieces and nephews (21) and grandchildren (17) ; a loving dog Precious, a plethora of United States Air Force Brothers and Sisters and Bellagio extended family and friends.