JEAN A NORWOOD's Obituary
Jean Annette Norwood ""Princess Laughing Water"" December 18, 1940 - June 20, 2012 Jean fought a short battle with a cancerous mass, she ""changed worlds"" on June 20, 2012, at Beebe Medical Center. She was not alone. Brothers held her hands, other family members stood quietly by; along with her God child Troy and friend Ragghi. Extended family and more friends waited nearby lending support. Jean is survived by her step mother Jean B. Johnson, brothers, E. Duane Johnson; his wife Doris, Everett Johnson Jr.; his wife Ivy, and Elmer Johnson. Her God children Troy Johnson, Mark Sammons, Tara Sammons-Doughty, and one great niece Jayda. Mother-in-law; Janie B. Norwood, three sister-in-laws; Janice B. Davis, Marlene A. Pritchett, Leolga T. Wright (Dallas), her Aunt Maxine Hitchens and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. Jean was preceded by her husband Tee, leaving his ""Princess"" after forty two years of marriage in 2010. Her mother Thelma Johnson and her father Everett Johnson Sr. Jean was taught at the Nanticoke Indian Elementary School for eight years. She attended Haskell Institute, now Haskell University, in Lawrence Kansas, graduating in the class of 1957. Jean's services to the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and the Dover District of The United Methodist Church includes the following: Conference Commission on Religion and Race, Conference Council on Ministries, Conference Sessions Team and Assistant Secretary, Chairperson of Council on Native American Ministries, Dover District Committee on Ministry, Co-Coordinator, Enabling Ministries Resource Team Vision Team, Conference Commission on Mission Personnel. Jean was one of 12 Delaware Delegates to the 1st National Women's conference in Houston, Texas. Native American Comprehensive Plan Vice Chair, Northeast Jurisdictional Committee on Native American Ministries Treasury, Supporter of ""Flying with Eagles, Native American Youth Leadership Program, Native American Heritage Committee. Jean became an employee at Diamond State Telephone Company in 1966 in the traffic department as an operator. She was transferred to the Service Center in Georgetown, then she went to the Millsboro Plant Construction and finally in the 80's she was transferred to Milford. Jean retired February 14, 1993. She was a life member of Telecom Pioneers-Caesar Rodney Club-Liberty Bell Chapter. She was a representative to the Athletic Association of the phone company, where she planned all social activities for Kent & Sussex counties. Jean was the chairperson for the Nanticoke Vision Team, successful in helping to establish the Nanticoke Museum, and the reawakening of Nanticoke Pride, through reestablishing the Powwow. She was the dance coordinator for many years. Another duty she performed was the contacting of vendors and creating the ""map"" to show where each vendor booth would be placed. Jean was dedicated to the NDN Stix Chix (dance troupe) and encouraged and supported them however and whenever she could. Jean was an avid reader. Books were one of her greatest pleasures. She enjoyed traveling and just recently returned from Hawaii. Jean also enjoyed the motorcycle trips. She was a member of The Delmarva H.O.G. and Delmarva Retreads bikers clubs. Her love of nature was evident from the roses, and mums in her yard, along with the vegetable garden she asked Tran Norwood to plant this year. Jean will be missed by many. Submitted with much pride and great sadness. The Family A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Saturday, June 30 at noon at Long Neck United Methodist Church in Millsboro, DE. A visitation will be held Friday, June 29 at the Watson Funeral Home where friends may call from noon to 8:00 PM. Donations may be made in Jean's honor to the Nanticoke Indian Association Scholarship Fund at 27073 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, DE 19966. Flowers are welcome. Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of JEAN?
What’s a lesson you learned from JEAN?
Share a story where JEAN's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JEAN you’ll never forget.
How did JEAN make you smile?