Norma Brown

Norma Jean Brown was born on August 18, 1941 in Wagoner, Oklahoma. She was the second born and youngest child to parents, James Ollie Blandon and Corelia Blandon. Norma accepted Christ as savior at an early age and fellowshipped at Union Baptist Church with her family. Affectionately known by her grandfather as “Dutes “, young Norma enjoyed dancing (ballet and tap) and playing the piano. In high school she noticed Richard Brown and he began to notice her too. Soon after graduating from Lincoln High School in 1961, the two married. In 1962, the newlyweds relocated to Long Beach, California where they began to raise their young family. This union was blessed with five children-- James, Keith, Christopher, Brian, and Cindra.

Norma was a family oriented and loving person. She was always a supportive wife to Richard who says, “She was good and alright with me”. Norma was a devoted mother to their five children and regularly welcomed their many friends into their home for a visit and a meal. She dearly cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren; they brought her so much joy. She treasured her daughters-in-law so much that daughter Cindra often commented, “I think you like them more than your own sons”. Norma stayed in close contact with cherished childhood friends from Oklahoma and enjoyed vacationing with them.

Norma received an AA in vocational nursing from Compton College and she worked as a licensed vocational nurse at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital for 31 years. After a fulfilling career of serving veterans, she retired in 1998 and, selflessly, began to care for her mother, Corelia. Norma fellowshipped at Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton, CA and most recently at City of Refuge Church in Gardena, CA. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Norma is preceded in death by her father-James Ollie Blandon, mother-Corelia Blandon, brother-James (Sonny) Blandon, and son- James Brown.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 62 years- Richard Lee Brown, son-Keith Brown (Chanel), son Christopher Brown (Laurie) , son-Brian Brown (Josie-Marquise & Briana) and daughter- Cindra Brown; grandchildren- La Miah Jenkins, LaQuita Brown, Ashley Castillo (Alfredo); great grandchildren- Sara Brown, Jayson Henderson, Jesse Jenkins, Jr., Luna Castillo, & Danica Castillo; and great-great grandchild- Winter Henderson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.