To Our Dear Son
We may not be the best of anything or have the best of everything. Sometimes we feel like we’re the least of all, But we know Someone Who has everything and that Someone ...He’s our EVERYTHING And we’re happy just to know that Shea was our child. We thank God for giving him to us. ~Mom and Dad~
Dear Brother
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow’s grass and leads me beside the quiet stream. He restores my failing health, and helps me to do what honors Him the most. That’s why you’re
Safe
in His arms
SHEA, WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU! ~Shontelle, Sharisse & Shallen ~
You Were Amazing! You never said that you were leaving. I never said goodbye. You were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why. I love you and I hope to see you again in Heaven. ~Austin VaughnShea~
I Miss You Dad Daddy I Miss You! You were the best Dad in the world ! All I want to say is that I love you with all my heart, and I know that I will see you again. R.I.H Pops. I’m glad you are not hurting anymore ... and I wanted to tell you that I got two A’s, one B and a C. But, I know you see it. ~Alexander VonShea~
You Were Amazing! Daddy, you were an amazing, talented, funny, kind-hearted man. I’ll miss the countless laughs, talks, & spontaneous harmonies we shared. I’ll never forget the day you told me that I look like Bruce Lee’s first cousin without makeup. Remembering things like that and knowing you’re in a better place is what keeps me smiling. I’m forever grateful to call you Dad. Until We Meet Again... ~Alexis TaShea~
Precious Daddy Tears overwhelmed me at the news of your moving. You slowly started to fade away from memories we were supposed to share like walking me down the aisle, our first fatherdaughter dance, and holding my first child. What I will miss most is your laughter, your smile, your voice, the way you played piano so delicately and intricately at the same time. You spoke through music and you have blessed so many lives throughout your brief walk of life it seemed the entire world knew of Shea Norman and I know God has received his most precious instrument. In darkness, you reminded me that God is bigger than it all. I am so thankful for the grace to trust in Him. I love you so much..then, now, and forever. ~Asia LaShea~
We Love You!
Maestro
The Man....The Music....The “Shea’s Story”
M
inister Alen VonShea Norman was a Gospel vocalist, musician, composer, arranger, and recording artist who masterfully used the gift of song to touch the world. He was sent as a gift from God to Superintendent James Allen & Judith Annette Norman on November 2, 1971, and was the oldest of four children. At Dewitt Temple Church of God in Christ in Rossville, Tennessee, Shea accepted Christ under the leadership of Elder Samuel Carpenter at a young age. The calling on his life to serve in music ministry was apparent from childhood. His first experience as a church musician was with the Millington Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Superintendent Carl Payne; Shea was only ten years old at the time. By age fifteen, Shea had begun serving as Minister of Music at Saint James Church of God in Christ where his father served as Pastor. Throughout his life, Shea helped to enhance the music ministries of many churches, to include Abundant Grace Fellowship (Pastor Dewayne Hunt), New Salem Baptist Church (Pastor Frank E. Ray, Sr.), Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Pastor Frank Thomas), New Growth in Christ (Apostle Sidney Malone), Cummings Street Baptist Church (Pastor Gary Faulkner), Ekklesia Church (Pastor Kobe Fitzgerald - Sheffield, Alabama), and Zion Temple Church of God in Christ (Pastor Rosman T. Randle). In addition to serving in the church, Shea committed himself to mentoring and developing the gifts of young singers and musicians. He was instrumental in providing instruction and accompaniment to the
Gospel choirs of Raleigh Egypt High School, Trezevant High School, Hamilton High School, Collierville High School, State Technical Institute at Memphis, and countless others. With diligence, he served both the Whitehaven District Choir and Perfect Praise under the ministry of the late Professor Dwight K. Turner. He later obeyed the leading of the Lord and formed Shea Norman and Company. Through this anointed music ministry, Shea’s gift continued to make room for him. In September of 2004, Shea’s music ministry impacted millions with the release of My Heart Depends on You (Verity Records). This album marked his breakthrough release on the Billboard Gospel Albums Chart at number 17. Shea’s arrangement of the hymn, “’Tis So Sweet”, was also featured on the WOW Gospel compilation album in 2005. His incomparable ability to usher people into the presence of God will continue for a very long time. Shea was preceded in death by both of his grandmothers: Anna V. Brown and Clara M. Norman; his beloved aunt, Evangelist Patricia Crutcher, and his cousin and fellow musician, Terry Myles. To cherish his memory, he leaves his parents, Superintendent James and Lady Judith Norman; three loving siblings: Shontelle Norman-Beatty (Bishop Andre), Sharisse Norman, and Shallen Norman; four children: Asia LaShea Norman, Alexis TaShea Norman, Alexander VonShea Norman, and Austin VaughnShea Norman; a cousin who was named after him, Deidre LaShea Norman; a host of other relatives and friends; and the one with whom he had planned to spend the rest of his life, Ms. Sheena Kelley.
Shea’s
Going Away Party
Superintendent John B. Smith, Officiant Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Minister Alen VonShea Norman ~ Music by Pastor Everett McBee & Psalmist Sharon Jackson ~ Old Testament Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Connie Wright New Testament Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Superintendent Joseph Fisher Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor James Rosser Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Rivers & the Angelic Voices of Faith Reflections from Friends of Shea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Eric Hulbert Mr. Tony Martin Minister Frank Ray, Jr. Bishop Adrian Rodgers Musical Tribute to the Maestro Adajyo Frayser Community Singers Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Bartholomew Orr Bishop Brandon B. Porter Acknowledgments & Resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marjorie Jimmerson Tributes from the Gospel Music Industry Jamel Strong Nikki Ross Doobie Powell Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent Linwood Dillard Musical Tributes to the Maestro Whitehaven District/Perfect Praise Reunion Choir The Family of Minister Alen VonShea Norman The Company Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Minister Alen VonShea Norman
Acknowledgment
With gratitude, the family of Minister Alen VonShea Norman acknowledges and appreciates the expressions of love, support, and kindness that have been shown to us. Special thanks to Pastor Bartholomew Orr & Brown Baptist Church, St. James Church of God in Christ, the Bolivar District, Tennessee Central Jurisdiction, Kurt Clayton & the Grammy Music Cares Association, Bishop Andre T. Beatty, Melissa Mobley, Angela Williams Cage.
Mr. Paul Watkins Mr. Greg Childress
The Pallbearers Mr. Andre Jones Mr. Gabrieal Mason
Interment
Mr. Kevin Childress Mr. Robert E. Moorman
Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens
6235 Raleigh Millington Road s Millington, TN 38053 s (901) 318-7041
Professional Services R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home
374 Vance Avenue s Memphis, TN 38126 s (901) 526-3264
y And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
7
(Philippians 4:7, KJV)