Obituary Nathaniel Norton

Nathaniel Norton Jr. (a.k.a. PAPA), was born in Jefferson County near Pine Bluff, Arkansas on February 2, 1927 to Joe Nathan and Roxie Lanie (Webb) Norton. Nathaniel was the second child of this union. He had an older brother, Napoleon Norton, and the family was later blessed with a daughter, Adelle Norton (Shine). The family moved from Arkansas to Homer, Louisiana when Nathaniel was between nine and ten years old. He met Jimmie Lee Jackson and her family around this time. Jimmie was very good friends with a number of his cousins. After high school and his entry in to the Air Corp, Nathaniel and Jimmie were married on March 8, 1947. They were blessed with four children from this union, Flora, Renee, Betty, and Nathaniel III. While in the Army Air Corp, Nathaniel was stationed at Tuskegee, Alabama, where he attended classes at the Tuskegee Institute. Nathaniel received the American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp on September 3, 1953, and he returned to Homer, Louisiana with his family. The Norton Family moved to Minden, La. shortly after his separation from the Army Air Corp. After which, Nathaniel moved his family to Dallas, Texas, where they lived for several years. Then in 1957, Nathaniel moved to Los Angeles, California, to seek broader employment opportunities, after he obtained employment, he sent for his wife and children. Nathaniel moved his family to the City of Compton in 1963, where he remained. Over the years Nathaniel was gainfully employed in a number of occupations, the most noteworthy was as a nurse with the Veteran's Administration Hospital, and as a welder with Kaiser Steel in the City of Vernon for over 25 years. Nathaniel had a very strong work ethic and strongly believed in education. He also attended some classes at UCLA where he was praised by some of his instructors for his broad knowledge. Nathaniel encouraged his children and other young people to expand their horizons, continue to learn, and to always be able to do more than one job. Nathaniel was an avid reader. He loved to do crossword puzzles and paint by numbers. Nathaniel loved all genres of music, but he especially loved, THE BLUES. Papa was a junk food lover. His favorite candy was peppermint. Nathaniel was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Lee Norton. He is survived by his four children: Flora Green, Renee Norton- Johnson, Betty N. Taylor (Leo) and Nathaniel Norton III, grandchildren: Andrea Green-Brown (Nick), Lucky Green, Tia Bonds, Richard Green, Joseph Baldwin (Latoyia) Andrew Combs (Alexa), Brandace Baldwin, Jennifer Johnson, Justin Johnson, Duane Myles (Shakina), great grandchildren: Aaron Richard (Christina), Annisse Richard, Nytazja Davis, Tai Davis, Deazjah Green, Joselyn Green, David Davis III, Richard Green Jr., Joseph Baldwin Jr., Jacob Green, David Baldwin-Griffin, Jordan Johnson, Taylor Fair, Fallon Green, Stormie Santos and Ameris Green, great great grandchildren: Aniya Green and Ayden Brown, brother: Napoleon Norton; sister: Adelle Shine; sisters-in-law, Ressie Lee Jackson (Oakland), Gatha Henderson (Missouri), Shirley Lancaster (Walter) (Texas) and numerous relatives. Nathaniel will be greatly missed.

Pastor Kenneth Tillman, Officiant Song Selection ................................................“Save a Seat For Me” Prayer...........................................................Pastor Kenneth Tillman Scriptures .....................................................Pastor Kenneth Tillman Isaiah 54:10 and Lamentations 3:31-33 Music Selection ...................................... “God Has Smiled On Me” Proclamation.............................................................. Juanita Wright Remarks................................................................... (2 mins. please) Obituary Reading................................................. Brandace Baldwin Eulogy..........................................................Pastor Kenneth Tillman Parting View ..................................................................................... Music Selection .............................................. “I Believe I Can Fly”



Memories The love we have for Papa Will never fade away. We’ll think of him, our special friend Throughout each passing day. We’ll walk into the room And see his empty chair; Although we know he’s resting, We’ll feel his presence there. The memories of his laughter, His warm and loving smile, His eyes so full of happiness, His heart that of a child. Memories are forever Be they laughter or of tears, Memories we will treasure Through all the forthcoming years.



DEPARTURE Today I mourn my father's departure from this world. My dad was a man who embraced life for over 85 years. He showed his family the \"strong stuff\", steady guidance, firm hugs, solid support, concrete advice and lasting love. How do I describe the pain that I feel, for words aren't enough to make it real? My love and bond will last forever. For death is not a period, only a comma. Heavenly Father if I could just be his daughter again. Missing you \"Daddy\". Your Daughter, Renee -SORROW- Words can never express this sadness in my heart. I know we're only prayers apart. People say \"prayer and time\" will eventually heal my pain. What does that mean, how long will my sorrow remain? Your departure was so sudden and unforeseen. OH! Dear Lord, please release some of this pain. Granny always tried to prepare me for this tragic day. I never fathomed it would be so soon, But! light years away. I took our time together for granted, now I'm left broken hearted and empty handed. The lost of you is just so unimaginable. You will always be that much more valuable. I didn't get a chance to give you one last hug or even a kiss. You will always be missed. I am so blessed to have known you all my years. How long will my sorrow last centu- ries........years? How will I explain you to my children, when your vision isn't within reach? I will remain strong for the family , do you hear me? Please watch over Granny, promise me you will. I love you Papa Mae, see you one day up there. Until we meet again, I will be strong and fight back my tears. I'm so blessed to have cared for you in your latter years. My love for you will always be here. Continue to watch over me and shield me from harm. Now that you are gone who will boss me around? I will let you go so you can rest in peace. I love you Na- thaniel Norton, your best friend \"B\". Your Granddaughter, -Brandace Baldwin T oday I say goodbye to my Papa and friend, Nathaniel Norton. I thank you for all the memories we shared. I will never forget Sundays spent at Granny's and Papa's house, with the aroma of fried chicken and BB King blasting from the stereo. I will always love and miss you Papa. Rest in peace. Your Grandson, - Joe P.S.....tell Grandog I said \"hello\" and keep watching over me.

Richard Green Pallbearers: Justin Johnson Aaron Richard Norman Fair Andrew Combs Tony Johnson Honorary Pallbearers: Joseph Baldwin Sr. Nathaniel Norton III Lucky Green Leo Taylor David Lee Davis III Joseph Baldwin Jr. Richard Green Jr. Rakia Allen Tai Davis Repast: Hometown Buffet 1230 W Redondo Beach Blvd Gardena, CA (between Normandie and Vermont) Services entrusted to Inglewood Park Mortuary Acknowledgement Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent beautiful flowers, if so, we saw them there. Perhaps you came and spoke kind words, as any friends would say. Perhaps you were not there at all, but thought of us, and decided to pray. Whatever you did to console the heart, the family thanks you so much for your part! Love, The Family of Nathaniel Norton Programs designed by Mack Enterprises Unlimited 323.789.6224