Norma Jean Moore (Jean) was born Norma Jean Porter in Lawrence, Kansas on January 16, 1928. She was the daughter of Gladys Hortense Roberts and Gilbert L. Porter. Norma Jean grew up as an only child with her mother who passed away in 1995. Gladys, who Jean lovingly called “Mudgie, taught her that anything worth doing was worth doing well, along with instilling in her the characteristics of strength, hard work and the pursuit of wisdom and excellence. Norma Jean instilled the same thing to her children and the rest of her family along with the value of education and protecting your family. At an early age, she learned how to crochet. She was also a great cook! Jean could cook greens, neck bones, fried tomatoes and fried corn bread in her sleep.
Having no siblings, Norma Jean grew up with her only cousin, Joycelyn Clark (Anderson), who was one year older. In their early adult years, they were known as two of the sharpest young women in Kansas City!
In 1944, Norma Jean graduated from Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 16. She later attended the College of St. Francis receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She pursued a Master’s Degree in nursing and came within 14 hours of completion. When asked why she didn’t finish, Jean would simply say, “I didn’t want to.” And that’s how Jean lived her life, on her terms. Jean did not believe in the word “retirement” because to her, it meant to “quit or lie down.” She believed that as long as she was able to work gainfully, there was no reason to leave the workforce. Thus, she retired from a successful nursing career with ¬¬¬¬Baptist Medical Center at the age of 72, and then went back to nursing for another 9 years, finally retiring at age 81. While she was at Baptist, she also became a nursing instructor. Doctors, Nurses, even the Administrative staff hated to see her go. Everyone said she had always been one of the hardest working and most beloved nurses on the floor.
A member of the Moorish Science Temple of America #65, Norma Jean also studied Metaphysical Science. June 28, 1954 she and Clarence L. Jackson had a daughter they named Meta Jo Jackson. Years later, she married Eugene (Gino) Moore. Together, she and Gino had one son, Narendranath (Naren) Gene Moore. From Gino, she learned a great deal about astrology, practically becoming a master in this field. It was said that all she needed to know was your birthdate and she could practically tell you anything you wanted to know about yourself.
As Norma Jean began having health challenges, Meta & Naren willingly provided the daily care she needed. Assisting with care were her grandchildren Chudney Jemmerson (James) and Yahzmine Jackson. In her finals days, the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care facilities assisted the family with the care of Norma Jean. She transitioned on August 18, 2018.
She was preceded in death by her father Gilbert L. Porter, mother Gladys H Cotton, and her cousin Jocelyn Clark.
Jean leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter Meta J Jackson-Wells(Sylvester), son Naren Moore, grandchildren Chudney Jemmerson (James), Yahzmine Jackson, Naren Moore, Jr, great-grandchildren Mauricia Smith, Zion Jemmerson, Zaida Jemmerson, Neriah Jemmerson, two first cousins Gladys Hankins, Marjorie Jardan and a host of great cousins, family and friends.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
The family of Norma Jean would like to specially thank their cousins, Marjorie Jardan and Gladys Hankins. They were very special to Nana and she loved them dearly. Thank you for every visit, phone call and example of love you extended over the years. It does not go unseen. We love and appreciate you and your families.
Also, our deepest gratitude to everyone who showed loved through a card, phone call, food and extended hand of help. May God bless you for your acts of kindness. We appreciate you.
