A Life Well Lived: Honoring April Denise Norman

On September 12, 1961, April Denise Norman made her grand debut, born to her parents, Lawrence Norman, Sr. and Carolyn Fleming, at Community Hospital in Norfolk, VA. She made her final journey home on October 4, 2024, at the age of 63, leaving this world from Norfolk General Hospital. Although her passing was unexpected, April continued her legacy of love and generosity, saving three lives through her selfless gift as an organ donor, even as she was called home by Our Heavenly Father. She was predeceased by her father Lawrence Norman Sr., her brother Ronald Norman and her sister Zina Speights.

April’s roots were deeply planted in Norfolk, VA, where she grew up and attended Maury High School. Her charisma and leadership were evident as she was elected head varsity cheerleader, and honored with the titles of Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior and crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year. She embodied school spirit, always representing the great Maury Commodores beaming with pride.

April had a heart that knew no bounds. She fiercely protected those she loved; her beautiful mother Carolyn; her beloved children, Ebony and Whitney; her cherished siblings, Trina, Zina, Lawrence Jr., Trenton, Nina, and Ronald; her dearest family, friends, and even her country. As a proud veteran of the United States Army, she dedicated years of service to protect and defend her nation, courageously serving in several deployments, even during war conflicts. April also furthered her education, earning an Associate’s Degree from ECPI in Business Administration. She used her knowledge and passion to serve Norfolk Public Schools for over two decades, in various positions, impacting countless lives along the way.

To those who knew her, April was the epitome of loyalty and authenticity; “what you saw was what you got.” She had a heart of pure gold, always lighting up any room she entered with her vibrant energy. She was always a joy to be around, full of life, a true blessing and lesson to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

April’s community service was nothing short of heroic, helping to clear the streets of Newport News from crime, while being a pillar of support to her neighbors in need. Whether it was donating food, clothing, or simply lending a helping hand, she was there. Her love for her community also extended through her work with Saint Pius X Catholic School.

April was a woman of vision and purpose. She founded her non-profit organization, Water the Seed, LLC, to mentor and foster young children. She dreamed of one day sharing her infamous fried chicken with the world through her very own food truck, “April’s Famous Fried Chicken.” She was also a natural entertainer and dreamed of becoming a stand-up comedian, as well as a local TV news anchor, often rehearsing her comedic sets in front of her family, filling their nights with love and uproarious laughter. She enjoyed laughing, dancing, relaxing in her favorite “spot” on the couch, watching tv and being surrounded by her loving family. Her contagious personality was woven into her memorable catchphrases, like “Whatever,” “Girl/Boy Boo,” “Who Gone Check Me,” and although seemingly backwards, “Charge it to my Heart, Not my Mind.”

Of all her accomplishments, April’s greatest pride and joy was in being a mother; not just to her daughters, Ebony and Whitney, but to any child who crossed her path. She was more than willing to help in any way that she could, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. She had an unmatched capacity for love, extending even to her fur baby, Egyptian “Egypt” Harris.

April’s legacy of love continues through her mother, Carolyn Fleming Norman; her husband, Ephrain Harris; her daughter, Ebony Torres-Watson and son-in-love Jayane Watson; her daughter Whitney Torres-Anderson and son-in-love Michael Anderson; her grandchildren Shaniece Blunt, Domonique Archer, Elani Archer, Isyss Anderson, TyJae Watson, and Vada Anderson; and her great-grandchildren, Nasiah Blunt, Novieah Blunt, and Nioami Blunt. She also leaves behind her siblings, Trina Luster (Chris), Lawrence Norman Jr., Trenton Norman (Lisa), and Nina Jones (Rufus); her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, and her fur-grandchildren Carlito, Allegiance, and Bruno.

April’s radiant spirit on this Earth will NEVER be forgotten or matched because of the impact that she had on everyone in this lifetime. Her infectious smile had the power to brighten even the darkest days, and her endearingly rambunctious demeanor was impossible to “contain.” She was a valiant fighter her entire life, unwavering in her strength and faith, right up until her final breath. Now, she has found her place with the Ultimate Commander in Chief, and we can imagine her standing tall as one of Heaven’s finest soldiers.

At her request, April’s life will be commemorated with a grand gold and white affair, fit for the queen that she was. All memorial contributions in her honor will support this celebration of love and her esteemed non-profit organization, Water the Seed, LLC.

April Denise Norman’s presence on this earth was nothing short of remarkable. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will continue to shine bright like a diamond, lighting the way for generations to come. We will forever cherish her love, laughter, and the profound impact she has etched in our hearts.