Sarah Frances Johnson Norris (Nanny) went Home in Heaven to be with The Lord and her loving husband Rev. Evell A. Norris on 26 March 2014 and is now dancing with the Angels in Heaven free of all pain and suffering. She diligently worked side by side with her husband Pastor Norris as he ministered at Fellowship Baptist Church in Birmingham (Huffman/Roebuck), AL. She is preceded in Home Going by her loving husband Rev. Evell A Norris. She was born on 30 March 1925 in Jasper, Alabama to Lee Marlin Johnson and Isabelle "Belle" Charles Johnson of Jasper, Alabama. Frances married Evel Asbury Norris of Haleyville, Alabama at her parents home, in Sandusky, Alabama on 27 November 1943. She is survived by a loving Daughter Evelyn Ann Norris Leonard and Son-In-Law Charles E. Leonard, (CW4 U.S. Army Retired) of Birmingham, Alabama and Son James (Jim) Marlin Norris and Daughter-In-Law Ann Wyne Norris of Birmingham, Alabama and a beloved Nephew Bo Thomas of Foristell, Missouri that made her proud and gave much joy. If you asked her, she would tell you how blessed she was. Blessed to have loved and been loved by a wonderful loving Husband. Nanny was also blessed to have Eight Grandchildren that loved and adored her. Six Granddaughters all from Birmingham, Alabama, Dawn Gast, Christy Norris Bailey (Sam Bailey), Lee Norris, Mary Norris, Jamie Norris, Joy Norris. Two Grandsons Chuck Leonard (Vickie Leonard) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Jason Leonard (Carol Leonard) of Birmingham, Alabama. Ten Great Grandchildren, Wesley Workman, Matt Workman, Amanda Workman, Libby Leonard, Savannah Leonard, Gabby Leonard, Conner Bailey, Zach Gast, Will Bailey and Jack Bailey. Two Great Great Grandsons, Solomon King and Abraham King, and many, many Loving Relatives. Blessed with life long family and friends that stood by her through good times and bad times, laughter and tears. Blessed to have a church family that joined her in worshiping Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Blessed above all else to be able to serve a Risen Lord and Savior. Yes, Nanny was really blessed! But those of us left behind know the truth, it was us who knew that we were really the ones being blessed. The broadness of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes, the joy of her laughter, the warmth of her embrace, the sincerity of her words, the depths of her love, the passion and intensity of her testimony. Yes, She was blessed, but more than that, She was a blessing! She never met a stranger. She was a friend to everyone who came in contact with her. Funeral services will be Sunday 30 March 2014 at 2:00 PM with visitation Sunday at 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the funeral service at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Highway U.S. 11, Trussville, Alabama. Her life verse in the Bible is Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Interment will beside her loving husband Evell A. Norris at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Alabama on 30 March 2014. The family of Frances J. Norris want to express our love and heart felt gratitude to all the Personnel of Lakeside Hospice of Pell City, Alabama and a special thanks especially to Sandy, Tameaka, Marta and Larry whom we came to love as family for their kind and tender care of our beloved mother and grandmother, mother-in-law and friend.

Published in The Birmingham News from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2014