Norma L. Jones

Obituary Norma Jean Lawrence was born on July 23, 1944, in Conover, North Carolina, to the late Forest and Beatrice Lawrence. As the eighth of ten children, she was lovingly nicknamed “Pudd”—or “Puddin”—a name that captured her sweetness, her humor, and the joy she brought to others. From a young age, Norma stood out. She was lively, bold, and full of spirit—a firecracker wrapped in honey. She had the gift of speaking truth with love, often putting words to what everyone else felt but hesitated to say. Her family admired her for her honesty, her strength, and her ability to make any room feel more alive. After graduating from high school and college, Norma followed her path to Washington, D.C., where she began building the life that would define her legacy. At the National Education Association (NEA), she met her future husband, Joseph Jones, Jr. Their connection grew into a lifelong partnership, and they married on December 7, 1968. Together, they created a loving home in Uptown Northwest Washington, DC, raising two children—Julienne and Brian—with a deep devotion to God, compassion, dignity, and a dedication to family that shaped everyone around them. Norma and Joseph remained devoted partners until his passing in December 2023. For more than 50 years, Norma was a committed member of Trinity AME Zion Church, where her faith and service touched countless lives. She served for decades as President of Deaconess Board 2 and found her greatest purpose in missionary work alongside the late Mrs. Bigelow. Norma traveled widely representing Trinity and served under numerous leaders with grace and reliability. Her work in the Altar Guild, the Golden Era, Youth Sunday School, Class Leader for Youth Class #13, Pictorial Directory Committee, Adoption and Women’s Ministries reflected her deep sense of responsibility, her love of young people, and her desire to be of service wherever needed. Her faith was genuine—not showy, not performative—just steady, personal, and shown through how she lived. Norma was thoughtful in a way that left lasting impressions. She remembered every birthday, every anniversary, and every milestone. She celebrated people out loud and made them feel seen. Her gifts were intentional; her writing was powerful; and her ability to make a simple phone call and get results became almost legendary. She was meticulous and organized, holding onto memories, documents, and moments with care. As her health began to change, Norma was surrounded by extraordinary love. For a decade, her daughter Julienne devoted herself to caring for both of her parents, making tremendous sacrifices —an act of devotion the whole family deeply honors. She was supported closely by her sister Glenda, her son Brian, and other family members. When Norma later moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina, she received compassionate and attentive care from Tia, who walked with her faithfully until the end. The family is profoundly grateful for every prayer, every visit, and every act of care given to Norma. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Jones, her parents Forest and Beatrice, and siblings Clara (Tutt) Baker, Connis Corpening, Sidney (Skeet) Lawrence, Aaron Lawrence, and Millard (Mill) Lawrence. Norma leaves behind her children: Julienne, Brian, and her daughter-in-love Sharri. She is also survived by her siblings Joyce Lorritts, Rochus (Celeste) Lawrence, Glenda (Jerry) Hill, and Douglas (Robin) Lawrence, and special cousin Claudia (Billie) Thomas. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Antynese (and her children Makiya, Jaiden, Lyric, Sean, and Chloe), Darrell Boswell (his wife, Kiara and their son Julian), Jordin, Shar, and Bree. Norma also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and lifelong friends. She held special affection for her granddaughters Antynese, Shar, and Bree; her great-grandchildren Makiya, her nieces Mia Jones and Shari Hill, nephew Aaron Lawrence, her godson David, and her bonus son Brandon—not as favorites, but as individuals with whom she shared a unique closeness and connection. She also cherished two dear friends, Mildred Honablew and Elaine Puryear. Norma Jean “Pudd” Lawrence Jones lived a life marked by a deep faith, honesty, service, and love. She was the truth-teller, the celebrator, the encourager, the fixer, and the steady hand her family could always rely on. While her earthly journey has ended, the light she brought into the world continues through the many people she touched. She leaves a legacy of strength, joy, and purpose that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

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Norma L. Jones

July 23, 1944 - November 15, 2025