Barbara Norwood

On September 23, 1943, the Lord sent Aristus Jones a special blessing; her only child, Barbara Ann Jones. At the tender age of three, Barbara tragically lost her mother. She was then raised by her grandmother, Ms. Katie Jones in the Studewood community of Houston, Texas. Barbara was known in the community as the smart, funny and popular girl who loved to laugh and play with her cousins and friends.

Barbara graduated from the historic Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas in 1961. As Washington Eagle, she served as the senior class president, an officer in the W. E. Miller Future Nurses Squadron and was an outstanding member of the Baby Ocean of Soul marching band as a majorette and regularly as a drum major. Her dedication to The Booker T. Washington ran so deep, that Barbara served as the 1961 alumni class president until she took her last breath. Barbara continued her education at Texas Southern University, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration in Accounting.

Barbara’s professional career was spent as an accountant for Damson Oil and Gas Company, as well as, Citation Oil and Gas Corporation.

She married the love of her life, Ray Norwood Sr. To their union were born two sons, Ray Norwood Jr. and Byron Keith Norwood.

After accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age, Barbara spent most of her free time at church. There was no question that she would grow into a great woman of God. A faithful and dedicated member of North Main C.O.G.I.C., she attended Noon Day Prayer service, Sunday School and served as a member of the Hospitality and Public Relations committees.

In addition to serving within her church, Barbara was a highly motivated and dependable registration worker for the Texas Greater Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction’s Annual Convention and the Annual Women’s Convention.

Barbara loved spending time with her grandchildren, having lunch with Independence Heights Senior Gathering and Senior Tea Party in the Studewood community, traveling the world with the Traveling Sisters of North Main C.O.G.I.C., playing a good game of SKIP-BO with her family and never missing a funeral! Barbara was known to be the family reporter making sure that everyone knew the deaths and funeral arrangements for EVERYONE! It was a must that she paid her respects. When she couldn’t physically attend anymore, she’d ask that her friends and family at least get her a program from the funeral.

On Friday, August 26, 2022, Barbara made her transition from this earthly life to heaven. She is preceded in death by her mother, Artius Jones, her grandmother, Katie Jones, her husband, Ray Norwood Sr., and her great-grandson, Ryland Jace.

Barbara leaves to cherish many precious memories with her sons, Ray Norwood Jr. (Michelle), Byron Keith Norwood (Kim); grandchildren, Kia Norwood, Kathryn (Katie) Norwood, Lil Ray Norwood, Lanetra Montena and Christian Anderson (Charles); great-granddaughters Charliegh & Chloe Anderson; uncle, Eddie Jones and a host of cousins, family and friends.