Jay Frank Norris

Jay Frank Norris, 60, died at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at 8:20 a.m. He was born July 5, 1949, in Shreveport, to the union of Buford and Johnetta Norris. He was the youngest of six children. In 1967, he came to Baton Rouge to attend Southern University. He graduated with a bachelor of science in business in 1971 and a master's of education with a specialty in counseling in 1980. He then went on to work for the Louisiana Department of Education until his retirement in 1997. He was the director of textbooks and transportation for the state. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and an active member of the community. Once he retired from the state, he moved to Houston to assist his brother in running a mental health rehabilitation center. In 2007, he returned to Baton Rouge to work for Turner Industries until his death. He is survived by his son, Brian O'Neal Norris Sr. and wife Claire; two daughters, Jarmeca Norris Berry and husband Omahar, and Janae Monique Norris, all of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren, Jaia Lanique Norris-Ewing, Brian O'Neal Norris Jr., J'Michelle Elizabeth Norris and Tyson Jay Norris; two brothers, Jim Norris, of Shreveport, and John Norris Sr. and wife Nina, of Dallas; two sisters, Judith Harris, of Shreveport and Patsy Joiner and husband Kenneth, of Raleigh, N.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry Norris; maternal grandparents, L.V. Martin and John Sharp; aunts, Lillie Pearl Martin and Betty Crockett; great-aunt, Blanche Lott; uncle, Banks Crockett; great-uncle, Alex Sharp; and nephew, John Norris Jr. Jay Frank Norris was a friend to all who knew him and was always willing to help others. Visiting at Living Faith Christian Center on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by Bishop Raymond W. Johnson. Entombment in Greenoaks Memorial Park Mausoleum. Arrangements by Greenoaks Funeral Home.