Norma Elaine Reid

that Norma’s absence from this world and us will undoubtedly bring her in the presence of the Lord. But she will be missed

terribly by everyone whose life she blessed with a sacrificial outpouring of immeasurable love, and will forever live in the

hearts and thoughts of her dearest loved ones left behind. Norma was born in Kingston, Jamaica WI to loving parents Eva

Cunningham and Clarence Reid. Her primary years were spent in Middlesex in the Parish of St. Ann where she lived and

studied with most of her siblings and numerous cousins. She relocated to Kingston, graduated from Grantham College and

pursued her life’s passion as a registered nurse at the University of The West Indies. In 1963, she immigrated to the UK to

broaden her educational opportunities, at which time she attended Anglia Polytechnic University where she became a

registered nurse and received her midwifery training at Nightingale & Guys College of Health. Norma continued to seek new

opportunities for professional and personal growth, and in 1972 moved to Brooklyn, New York, joining her mother Eva and

stepfather Ezekiel Wellington. She became an Associate Head Nurse at Brookdale University Hospital and attended Pace

College. After her mother’s death, Norma headed south in 1975 to Miami, Florida where she further enhanced her nursing

skills at Nova Southeastern University by earning a B.S. Degree in Professional Management. For many years she worked as

an RN at Mount Sinai and Jackson Memorial Hospital, dedicating herself as a ‘selfless’ caregiver, rarely turning down a

private duty assignment and passionately providing nursing care to patients in several other hospitals in the Miami Dade

County area. In 2006, Norma’s announcement to retire became a not-so-private joke as everyone who knew her recognized

that her life did not include a “retirement plan.” Her official retirement was short-lived as she unofficially rejoined the nursing

work force, dividing her time between Parkway Regional and North Shore Hospitals in Miami. In February 1999, Norma lost

her only daughter Andrea Samuels after a long battle with a kidney disorder. The loss of her daughter seems to have given

Norma a greater desire to share her primary passion, which was extending unreserved dosages of goodwill that consisted of

equal portions of nurturing, tough love, straight talk and infectious laughter. Her residence became a hospitality arena for

friends, family and anyone with a ‘hard-luck’ story. After a series of health issues and eventually surgery, her health spiraled

downward, allowing her limited mobility and withdrawal from the workplace. In early March this year Norma, endearingly

referred to as Florence Nightingale, entered UM Hospital believing that her condition of cancer metastasis would be taken

care of with the radiation treatment that was administered. However, after five of the fifteen treatments scheduled, her

condition showed no positive signs of reversal. Treatment was stopped and eventually Hospice and Palliative care was

offered a few days before she passed. Norma is survived by her grandchildren Kaisha and Jahreem Samuels, her son-in-law

Danny Samuels, maternal siblings, Derrick, Trevor, Winston, Sandra Lewis nee Wellington and Howard Wellington as well

as paternal siblings, Trevor, Harvey, Lorraine Danvers nee Reid and Rosemarie Reid. Norma’s extensive tribe includes

nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who are like family. The family will receive friends at a viewing at SOUTHERN

MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 15011 West Dixie Highway, North Miami, Fl 33181 on Thursday April 26, from 5:00-9:00

PM. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church, 495 NW 191st Street,

Miami, Fl, 33169 on Friday April 27, at 10:00 AM.