Beverly Norris

Beverly Marie Wilson Norris was born on January 22, 1937, to Jerome Wilson and Marzie Reynolds Wilson. She was the second of their children, and her parents would go on to welcome six more. Beverly’s father passed away at the young age of 42, leaving her mother to raise their large and loving family—an experience that helped shape Beverly’s strength, compassion, and resilience.

She received her early education at Keiling, Stow, and Douglass Elementary Schools, continuing on to Northeast Junior High and graduating from Sumner High School. Drawn to a life of service, Beverly later attended the Florence Night Nursing School, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credentials. After 15 years of dedication to her profession, she furthered her education at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCCC), becoming a Registered Nurse in 1974.

Beverly’s nursing career was long and impactful. She served at Bethany Hospital and Providence Medical Center before moving into home health care, where she worked faithfully from 1992 until her retirement in 2014. Her gentle spirit and compassion touched countless lives.

Beverly accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in her youth under Pastor Sargent. As an adult, she reaffirmed her faith under Pastor C. L. Bachus and later Pastor Niles Seawood at Community Missionary Baptist Church (CMBC), where she worshiped faithfully from 1989 to 2023. In 2024, she joined Oak Ridge Baptist Church, worshiping alongside her family.

Beverly loved the Lord and faithfully served at CMBC in many roles, including Mission Vice-President, Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent, Choir President, Christian Education Director, and member of the Culinary Ministry. Her willingness to serve reflected her generous heart and deep devotion to her church family.

Beverly was first married to Lorenzo Jordan, and from this union came two daughters, Pamela Jordan-Fellows and Patricia Jordan. After Lorenzo’s passing, Beverly remarried in June of 1964 to James A. Norris. Together, they welcomed twins, James Calvin Norris and Janet Camille Norris-Horn. Beverly and James later divorced after 14 years of marriage.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Marzie Wilson; her brothers Jerry Wilson, Robert Wilson (Vertisteen), and Jerome Wilson (Annette); and her sisters Marlene Wilson Oliver (Richard) and Delores Wilson Johnson (Preston).

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Pamela Fellows (Alex), Patricia Jordan, the “Twins,” James Calvin Norris and Janet Camille Norris-Horn (Willie); her sister, Patricia Wilson Caruthers (Rufus); her grandchildren: Donyelle Owens, Michael Owens (Salynda), and Deasiray Norris—who was lovingly raised by Beverly and cherished as a daughter; her great-grandchildren: De’sha Thomas,Victoria Owens, and Camille Bush; her sister-in-law, Annette Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and dear friends.

Beverly’s life was a testament to faith, service, and unwavering love for her family and her Lord. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

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