Barbara Norman

On a beautiful day, July 29, 1929, a little girl was born to the late William Patterson and Hazel Jackson Patterson in Norfolk, Virginia. They named her Barbara Patterson and moved from Norfolk, Virginia to Brooklyn, New York along with their only son, William Patterson, Jr.

It was in Brooklyn where she met and married the love of her life, Jonathan Norman and married him on October 25, 1952. The couple relocated to Queens, New York to live the American Dream and to raise their three children.

Barbara became a teacher for the New York City public school system, and then went back to school and earned a master's degree, all while teaching elementary students.

In July 1999, she relocated to Palm City, Florida with her husband, where she lived for 15 years.

Barbara was a faithful member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, where she served as a Mother of the Church and on the Pastor’s Aide Committee, in addition to teaching Sunday school. A number of Christ followers have said that "Mother Norman" could deliver the Word of God like no other and did it with great joy.

Barbara was a quiet, strong woman, and she treated everyone whom she met like she knew them forever. She belonged to the United Federation of Teacher’s Retirement, where she remained an active retiree in Florida.

On September 8, 2014, our dear Barbara was summoned from earthly labors to heavenly rewards. She made her transition knowing that the Lord would be waiting for her in His mansion of Glory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel Patterson, and her devoted and loving husband, Jonathan Norman. Loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of her three children: Faith Buffong of Asheboro, North Carolina, Martina Norman-Cephus of East Brunswick, New Jersey, and William Patterson Norman of West Hollywood, California. She is also survived by three grandsons: Shawn Eiley, Jama'l Cephus, and TJ. Buffong, and a host of family members and friends.