Remembering Randy... R andy Rochelle Norris was born August 30, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee—the youngest child of Laura M. Norris and the late John W. Norris, Sr.
Randy accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Dr. J. Allen Cutter, Sr. at Greater Faith Baptist Church, and was baptized with his sister Patrice. Being an Orange Mound native, Randy attended Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from Melrose High School with his sister Patrice, in the Class of 1980. Although Randy was the baby of the family, he was the protector of his older sisters and brother. In high school, Randy enjoyed his auto mechanic class and his teacher, Mr. Brown. That lead his love of working on cars, which was only one of his gifts. At a young age Randy, started working with his Uncle Curtis, learning to paint and becoming a master painter, or so he would be quick to inform anyone who would listen. Randy was not afraid of hard work and would often ask his neighbor, Mr. Bill James, if he could work with him in his construction business, later continuing to work with Mr. Bill’s sons. Everywhere Randy went he would make friends and make sure his sisters’ friends knew he was their good-looking brother. Randy was the “life of the party,” both literally and figuratively. At any gathering of family and friends, he was the one to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and left with a smile on their face and laughter in their hearts. But more than that, he gave life to all those around him on a daily basis and joy to all those who crossed his path. He loved to dress and was not afraid to let you know about his good looks. Although he never had any biological children, his niece and nephews were his children. He was known as the fun uncle who could out dance them and beat them at any game. Randy is survived by his mother, Laura, his four sisters, Pamela Williams, Patrice Norris, Edith Minor of Lacey, WA and Diane Bordenave (Pete) of Rialto, CA; two brothers, John W. Norris, Jr of Las Vegas, NV and Michael Norris of San Diego, CA; his niece, Lauryn Smith; three nephews, Travis Mebane (Nicole), Terrance Mebane (Nydia) of Washington, DC, and Christian Norris; two greatnieces, Lincoln and Presley Mebane; three great-nephews, DarShun, Tory and Travis Mebane; bonus sister, Deborah Stone; sister-in-law, Paulette Wilkerson, his favorite cousins, Sheila Johnson Bell, Toni Richmond-Campbell and Joyce Gathings; friends Mike Wilson, T.R. Reynolds, and Tom Bonds; and his special friends, Ms. Reatha Barr and Delois “Pookie” Chatman. Those that went ahead to prepare a place for him were, his father, J.W., brother, Steven, his Uncle Curtis and Aunt Bernice Lyons, and his nephew Steven Walton Norris. He leaves a host of other family members and friends, adopted children and grandchildren to continue celebrating his life.
To my dearest family and friends, I am writing this to let you know I arrived okay, that I am living with God in heaven. Don’t be sad for I am with you always; I am only out of sight. But I know I will live on in your hearts and whenever you fire the grill up or raise your glass, you best believe I will be saying, “ya’ll done shot off.” So, let’s celebrate my life today.
O rder of S ervice
Graveside Service: Saturday, May 15, 2021 10:30 A.M
Memorial Park Southwoods
5485 Hacks Cross Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Pastor Percy M. Hunter, Officiant
Christ United Baptist Church, Senior Pastor
Processional Scripture Readings:
Old & New Testament....................Pastor Ray Hicks
Prayer.......................................................Pastor Ray Hicks Solo...................................................Ms. Norriese Johnson
Reflections
Mr. Michael Wilson - Childhood Friend Ms. Lauryn Smith - Niece Acknowledgements................................Mr. Anthony Isabel Words of Comfort.................................Pastor Percy Hunter Committal Rites Closing Prayer
~Acknowledgement ~
The family of Randy Rochelle “Tank/T.J.” Norris greatly appreciates all the love, comforting expressions, phone calls, text, emails, prayers and kindness you have shown. It is our heartfelt prayer that God will continue to bless each of you as he continues to bless our family. We ask that you continue to uplift us in your prayers during this time. ~The Family
~Honorary Pallbearers ~ Hugenot Street Crew
~Active Pallbearers ~
Travis Mebane Demarcus French Maurice Reed Willie Porter James Wilson Charles Reed Mike Wilson Lorris Craig Chester “Pee Wee” Reed
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