Laura Norris
Laura Mae Lyons Norris, a devoted mother, beloved grandmother, and a proud lifelong resident of Orange Mound, peacefully transitioned from life at the age of 89.
Born January 2, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee, Laura was the youngest child of Martha Clark Lyons and Washington Lyons Sr. Raised in a faith-filled home, she accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Era Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Frank Briscoe. Later, she moved her membership to Greater Faith Baptist Church, serving faithfully under the late Dr. J Allen Cutter Sr. and then under his son, Rev. James A Cutter Jr., until her health began to decline.
Laura‘s roots ran deep in her beloved Orange Mound community. Born on Hilton Street and moving to Select Ave in 1940, she remained in the community her entire life. A proud graduate of Melrose High School’s Class of 1955, she never missed a football game or Melrose Mass Reunion until health concerns kept her home. Later, she became an avid fan of the Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis basketball teams.
In 1968, Laura began her career as a nurse assistant at Methodist Hospital on Union Avenue. At that time, she was the only African American female on the OB/GYN floor. She dedicated 32 years to caring for patients before retiring. Along the way, she married John (Johnny) W. Norris Sr., and to this union, four children were born.
Her most cherished memories were often trips to Walmart with her partners in crime, Joyce, Patrice, Paulette and Deborah “De De”; daily phone calls to Ada to brag about what her grandson Travis had brought her to eat; Friday “Club Night” gatherings filled with laughter and fellowships; and Sunday afternoon catch-ups with her Godson James discussing life and current events.
Laura is survived by her daughters Pamela Norris Williams and Patrice S. Norris; stepdaughters Edith Minor of Las Vegas, NV. and Diane Bordenave (Pete) of Rialto, Ca. and son John Norris Jr. of Las Vegas, NV. Grandchildren Travis D. Mebane (Nicole), Terrance A. Mebane (Nydia) of Washington, DC; Christian Norris, Lauryn Smith; and great grandchildren Darshun Mebane of Washington, DC, Tori Mebane, Travis I. Mebane of Memphis, TN. Lincoln and Presley Mebane of Washington, DC, and Brayden “Peanut” Smith of Memphis, TN. Jaylen, Jaliyah, Kyleigh, and Aliyah Norris of Holly Springs, Ms. Step great-granddaughter Donna (Saul) Gilmore, and step great-grandson John W. (Kayla) Norris IV.
Her daughter in love Paulette Wilkerson, nieces, Joyce Gathings, Shirley Dillard, Betty McClore, Cherry Pete, Stenola Johnson and Jackie Yelvington, nephews Anthony Isabel (Sharon), Eric Isabel, and Hosea Gathings, her great nieces Toni Richmond-Campbell, Tracey Johnson, her great nephews Lorris” Reese” Craig and Chris Craig (who faithfully visited her), cousins Gloria Johnson of Grand Junction, TN, Rev. Billy Jackson Sr. and Faye Jackson, Special friends, Ada Catron, Lorian and James Stewart, Delores “Pookie” Chatman, Shirley Jones, and Sylvester Henry. Lifelong friends, Mrs. Cora Henry and Ms. Katherine “Tag” Horton and her cherished Godson James Sims, She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Curtis and Washington Lyons, sister in Law Bernice Lyons, sons Steven and Randy Norris, Grandson, Steven Norris Jr., Niece Lois Gathings, Niece Diana Douglas, Nephew Calvin Lyons.
She also leaves a host of step grandchildren and great grandchildren, extended family and friends to mourn her passing.
Laura lived a life full of love, service, and a vibrant community spirit. She leaves a lasting legacy in every life she touched.