Norma Deloris Burnett, age 79, went home on March 30, 2023.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 A TIME TO BE BORN: Norma Delores Burnett was born the 4^th child to the late Mary Georgia and James Edward Thomas, Sr.  On December 18, 1943, she began her life’s journey in Cleveland, Ohio.  Her sister, Janice Walker and only brother James Edward James Jr., whom she loved so dearly; her sisters Marjorie Thomas and Sheila Branch all preceded her in death.

 A TIME FOR SALVATION: Norma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Open Door Baptist Church, later joining Shiloh Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, then became a faithful member a Charter Member of Greater Vision Baptist Church until her health began to fail.

A TIME TO LEARN & WORK: Norma attended Cleveland Public Schools and was an enrichment student. She was an outstanding basketball player at Portland-Outhwaite Center (known as the POC) at the Friendly End Settlement Center.  She began working at the young age of 15 at Woodland Market.  She later worked and managed Jerry’s Beverage store in the Longwood Plaza for many years.  Then went on to Stouffer Foods.  Her final job was in banking for Cleveland Trust (renamed Ameri-Trust) that merged with Society National Bank and Key Bank of Albany, N. Y. in 1993.  The new name Key Corp and headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.  She worked numerous branches in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati as a floater until becoming permanent at the Farnsleigh Branch where she retired.  After retirement she worked and managed Gilbert’s Boutique on Chagrin Boulevard.

A TIME FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS:  Norma resided with her mother, she became her caregiver until she passed away.  Norma left Gilbert’s Boutique to help her nephew Earl Branch care for his mother Sheila, her sister, until her health began to decline.  Earl and Norma’s other sister Debra returned the favor by becoming her faithful caregiver with the assistance of her son and daughter-in-law Teresa.

Norma was the most loving, kind and generous mother to her only son Reggie “Boo” whom she loved with passion.  She adored her granddaughters and any individual she would meet. No matter whenever or wherever she could help she always extended her heart and hand when needed, especially her family who she loved dearly and assisted many of them when needed.  Norma was a mother figure to her younger siblings, and some close friends.  Her uncle Ossie Lothar was also very fond and loved her dearly.  Her amicably called her “Chika-Dee.”

A TIME TO ENJOY: Norma spent her entire life loving on her family, babysitting for grands and spoiling them as much as she could.  She enjoyed traveling on Cruises. Taking visits to Las Vegas and basking in the Bahamas, and a number of the Virgin Islands.  She loved getting dressed up in the best apparel and kept her hair immaculate.  You knew her by her radiant smile and dimples when she stepped into the room dressed to the nines from head to toe.  Not many can say that they had a FRIEND for 75 years, who was considered a sister by her family that had a sister in Christ as she called her – that being JUANITA GLYMPH!!! They shared so many great memories for  many years – laughing, crying and never having any disagreements or getting angry with each other.  Norma was the God Mother to Juanita’s only daughter Jennifer Horne.  Norma lived by her favorite scripture: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” Philippians 4:13

A TIME TO REST:  On March 30, 2023, after a long and devasting illness the Lord saw that she was tired and called Norma’s name and she answered.  He put on her Angel Wings and flew to her Heavenly home with ther Savior.

A TIME TO MOURN: Norma leaves to cherish her loving memory to her son Reginald (Teresa), stepson Reginald Christian; granddaughters Shannon, Shayla; great-grandchildren Amaya, Lance, Christopher Mansa and Cierra. Sister Debra Peterson (Sam), brother-in-law Kenny, Tony (Kellie), sister-in-law Johnnie Thomas; special nephew Earl Branch, special nieces Tierra, Tanisha, and Karen.  Special caregiver Karlene Lewis and her sister in Christ Juanita Glymph (Robert), along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Norma will be truly missed, by all who enjoyed her presence and her LOVE.

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS: Through it all, we give thanks for the many years we had to spend time with NORMA.

Humbly Submitted

The Family