Janet "Janice" Norris (Lansing)

Janet “Janice” Norris was born on Saturday, January 25, 1964, to the union of AJ and Ethel Norris in Galveston, Texas. Janet resided in Galveston, Texas and Blytheville, Arkansas during her formative years; however, she spent most of her life in Lansing, Michigan. Janice’s life reflected her strong work ethic, commitment to family, and her faith in God.

Janice and her twin brother, James, were amongst the eldest children in their family and set the standard for all to follow by entering the workforce while attending high school. Janice graduated from Sexton High School in 1983, gained employment at the City of Lansing (where she worked for over 15 years) as well as the Lansing School District until she became ill.

Janice was inducted in the Sexton High School Hall of Fame in September 2022 for the amazing accomplishment of an undefeated season which was achieved by the 1982 Sexton High School Girls Track and Field Team. Janice was recognized for the CAC Champion 100-yard dash, CAC Champion 220-yard dash, CAC 1st place team 880-yard relay, CAC 1st place team 440-yard relay, Lansing State Journal - Prep Honor Roll, and commended for earning over 90 Metals. As of today, Janet’s record for the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash as well as 440-meter and 880-meter relays are undefeated. Janice always let it be known, “My grandchildren will beat my records one day, no one else.”

Janice confessed her hope in Christ and was baptized at an early age at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout her life she served as a member of the choir and participated in Sunday worship services. However, Janice encouraged others as she showed faith beyond measure while battling illness and continuing to confess her faith in God throughout various medical processes. Her family and colleagues all reflect on her giving and kind spirit; Janet’s heart was always full of love and concern for her family and friends. Janet’s last act of love was to have the descendants of her grandmother come together for the purpose of fellowship at a Family Picnic. The picnic was held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, and Janice went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 59 years old. Janet never met a stranger and just loved people. Janet was proud of her children and grandchildren and often bragged about their accomplishments.

Janice was preceded in death by parents AJ and Ethel Norris, twin brother, James Norris, brother, Bobby Johnson, daughter, Ciara Norris, and Grandmother, Theodoria Wilkerson.

Janice leaves to cherish her memory children: Jimmy (Nautica) Deshazer, Tynesha (Darius) Turner and Tony Norris; Grandchildren: Cyrus Coker, Hayden Norris, Kyrin Turner, Layland Norris, Jha’mi Deshazer, Rai’Lynn Norris and Skyler Turner; Siblings: Cassandra (Derrick) Adams, Undreal Norris, Tracy (Chery) Norris, Vanessa Norris, Moneke (Marcus) Wourman, Letisha (Alvin) Holloway, Roeshell Burks and Shanice Norris; Godchildren: Nykiera Thomas, Bernice Curry, Eboni Brown; Roy William, Jr, and Latanya Donald-Huff. Godparents: Roy and Bobby Jean Williams; and a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, and Uncles; Special Friends: Alecia Drane, Laniesha Taylor, Priscilla Davenport; Mary Jackson, Crystal Brown, Erica Turner-Kimbrough; Elizabeth Brockwell-Tillman, Diane Crenshaw, Rebecca Brown, Patricia Coats, Mozella Harris and Laura Jenks.