Sylvia Jean Brown Norris was born on May 4, 1945 to Henry "Tom" Brown and Fannie Mae Carmon Brown in Winterville, North Carolina. She died peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Mrs. Norris was educated in the Pitt County North Carolina School System graduating from D.H.Conley High School in June, 1963. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. She began her working career at the Washington Hospital Center. She began her career in the Federal Government in November 1967 and retired on January 1, 2010 after 43 years of service.

She attended Strayer University with an emphasis in paralegal work.

After living in Washington, D.C. for 38 years, she relocated to Bryans Road, Maryland. She was a devoted Washington Redskins fan.

Always a spiritual person, Mrs. Norris joined Macedonia Baptist Church soon after moving to Bryans Road. She was a devoted and loyal member for 10 years.

She was a devoted mother to her three children often working two to three jobs to care for them.

She was predeceased by her oldest daughter Cynthia Vines; parents, Henry "Tom" Brown and Fannie Mae Carmon Brown; one brother, James Brown; and one sister, Diane Brown Suggs.

She leaves to honor her memory her son, Steven Burns (Wanda), youngest daughter, Matoka Norris; five grandchildren, Milan Norris, Chandler, Chene` and Chante` Vines and Aaliyah Burns; precious great grandson, Ethan; two brothers, Robert Brown and Thomas Brown (Bonnie); two sisters, Geraldine Brown and Sandra Chapman. She also leaves three dear friends, Thelma Lucas, Alice Bates and Margaret Parker and her other "grandson" Tony Oliver, as well as other relatives and friends.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.