Pallbearers
Grady Angeloff • Edward Todd Beadle • Larry Bledsoe Dantaeh Morehouse • Wiley Morehouse • Bernard Makel
Honorary Pallbearers
b e r l a e t i C o g n n o i f o L o g e v e m for o H
Reginald D. Sims • Errick Peck • Maurice Brown • Kelsey Robinson Franklin H. Wiesner, Jr. • Courtney Clark-Carter • Curtis Greer • Dexter Bates
Acknowledgement
We, the family of Norma Jean Bledsoe Wiesner, wish to express our sincere appreciation for your prayers, kind deeds, and words of encouragement as well as your expression of sympathy during this time of bereavement. We are most grateful to God for the gift of family and friends like you. May God’s richness and mercy be upon you for blessing us with your love and support.
Sunrise
August 22, 1944
Sunset
May 27, 2016
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO:
Leon L. Williamson Funeral Home
2157 N. 12th Street • Milwaukee, WI 53205 414-374-1812
Leon L. Williamson, LFD • Cassandra Winters, LFD, MBA Staff: Linda Franklin, Elder Albert J. Carrington, Jr. Elder William Starr
Designed and Printed by Milwaukee Times • 414-263-5088 • milwaukeetimesnews.com 1936 North Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
NormaJeanBledsoeWiesner THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 • 6:00 P.M. NEW COVENANT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2315 North 38th Street • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reverend Dr. Fred L. Crouther, Pastor - Officiating
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
Norma Jean Bledsoe Wiesner The breath of life entered Norma Jean’s body on August 22, 1944. Born to Angeline Webb (sharecropper) and James Stevenson ( J.S.) Greer, she grew up picking cotton on a farm in Milan, Tennessee. At the age of 12, Norma moved with her family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in search of a better life. As a youth, Norma’s spiritual foundation was planted in Milan, Tennessee at the New Hope Baptist Church. Upon arriving in Milwaukee, she united with Greater Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. E.B. Phillips, where she faithfully worked with the choir, usher board, and the missionary circle. In 1979 she united with the New Covenant Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. F.L. Crouther and joyfully served in many capacities including church secretary. Norma accepted God’s call on her life and was ordained to preach on June 1, 1997. Her commitment was evident as she faithfully ministered as an associate minister at New Covenant and in the community. Norma received her formal education in the Milwaukee Public School System. A proud graduate of North Division High School, she valued education and was extremely active in school clubs and activities. She kept her high school relationships close as she continued to participate with the North/Lincoln Alumni Association planning reunions and social events. Norma inherited a warm, pleasant spirit from her parents which fully equipped her for opportunities working with people. As a young woman, she worked in the clerical field. She would then accept an opportunity at Wisconsin Bell, (Ameritech) where she retired after 30 years of dedicated service. After retirement, Norma worked as a teaching assistant at Alverno College. Being drawn to her ultimate destiny, shaping the lives of children, she accepted a position as a school secretary with Milwaukee Public Schools. But Norma knew that she had a lot more to offer children. Seeing the need for caring educators, she entered Alverno as a Compton Fellow, pursued her Master’s in Education, and received her teaching certification. As a school teacher, Norma adopted the philosophy “treat them as your own” and showed genuine compassion and love for her students. After working for Milwaukee Public Schools and several charter schools, she eventually retired from V.E. Carter Development Group, Inc. Staying active, Norma continued working with students as a substitute teacher for MPS. Norma was the proud mother of three children. Her firstborn Nori DeAnna, was the center of her joy as she spoiled her with love. On November 17, 1973 she married Franklin Wiesner. To this union Franklin Henry and Karen Lynn were born. Norma instilled Godly principles in her children as she taught them to trust God, love family, and the power of kindness and faith. Norma’s love for her grandchildren was evident as she actively participated in their activities and moral development. She was their number one cheerleader and encouraged academic accomplishments. The sky was the limit. Her love for children provoked her to become a loving foster mother to three; Marquise, Teneisha, and Devontae. To relax Norma enjoyed shopping and fine dining. An avid basketball fan, she could be found watching all the NBA games. Cheering from her home, some might think she was actually at the game. Her enthusiasm was shared with her grandchildren and was humorous to anyone who observed this family ritual. Anyone who has ever come in contact with Norma can testify to her vivacious spirit and infectious laugh. Her gift of motivation and encouragement illumined the lives of many as she cheerfully spread the gospel and offered sage advice. Norma went to sleep on earth on May 27, 2016 and opened her eyes in the presence of the Lord. Faithfully completing her mission she heard the voice of God saying “Well done thy good and faithful servant”. Norma was proceeded in death by her parents, Angeline Webb and James Stevenson ( J.S.) Greer and sibling, Peggy (Leroy) Porter. She leaves to cherish her memory: “Mom”, Louella Greer of Atwood, TN; nine brothers and sisters Bobby Webb, Eddie (Victoria) Beadle, Marie Morehouse, James Hiram (Sharon) Bledsoe of Milan, TN, Leroy Bledsoe, Martha Greer of Atwood, TN, Brenda Greer of Memphis, TN, Linda (Kenneth) Robinson of Atwood, TN and Curtis (Susan) Greer of Olive Branch, MS; three children, Nori Bledsoe Carter, Franklin (Amy) Wiesner and Karen Wiesner Peterson; six grandchildren, Courtney Clark-Carter, Faith Bohman Wiesner, Myka Carter, Josiah Peterson, Joshua Peterson and Jeremiah Peterson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Precious Memories
Precious Memories
Order of Service Musical Prelude.............................................................................................................................Darren Buckley Minister of Music Processional...............................................................................................................................Clergy and Family Scriptures..........................................................................................................................Bishop Lawrence Kirby St. Paul Baptist Church, Racine, WI Prayer...................................................................................................................................Rev. Wilbur Baker, Jr. NorthShore Christian Church Selection.....................................................................................................................New Covenant Mass Choir A Tribute to Grandmother.................................................................................................................Myka Carter Acknowledgement of Condolences................................................................................Dr. Edward Todd Beadle Selection..............................................................................................................................................Adija Smith Reading of Obituary............................................................................................................................Cheryl Hill Selection....................................................“Wind Beneath My Wings”............................Karen Wiesner Peterson Resolutions........................................................................................................Margaret Hudson, Church Clerk A Tribute to Mother...............................................................................................................Nori Bledsoe Carter Franklin H. Wiesner Karen Wiesner Peterson Praise Dance................................................“How Deeply I Need You”...................................Beverly Baker Moore Eulogy.........................................................................................................Reverend Dr. Fred L. Crouther, Pastor New Covenant Baptist Church The Director’s Moment.................................................................................Leon L. Williamson Funeral Home Recessional..................................................................................................................New Covenant Mass Choir
Interment
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery 6400 West Burleigh Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Virtuous Woman
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. PROVERBS 31:25-31
Precious Memories