The Life of Norma D Minus
NORMA RANDOLPH DEAN MINUS was born February 5, 1926 in Covington, Kentucky to the late Mohammad Dean and Gertrude Melton. She was the oldest of three children, the youngest, Carl preceded her in death. The family moved to West Virginia and later to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Norma was educated in the school system of Wilkes-Barre. After graduation she attended Howard University for a brief time until she became employed by the Federal Government at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. She left Washington, D.C. to join her other in Philadelphia and was employed with the Defense Department at the Signal Core.
In 1952, she met and married the late James L. Minus. From this union they had one son, James L. Minus, III.
In 1977, Norma graduated from Temple University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. She was employed by Montgomery County in MH/MR for a number of years followed by employment at Cheyney University as a Professor with the Upward Bound Program. After which, Norma returned to the job that was her greatest love, taking care of “her men” and answering the phone.
She was a member of Twigs Incorporated and enjoyed shopping for door prizes for their annual luncheons and fashion shows. She loved being the commentator at various fashion events. After completion of leadership training for Girl Scouts of America, Norma provided unique information to many girls, executing responsible training, weekend trips, identifying and playing of musical instruments required for certification. The musical instruments training was extreme a fun time, particularly with Norma showing off her talents at the piano. In addition, she served as a Girl Scout leader for a number of years, and during that time her troop accomplished record cookie sales. She also liked her frequent trips to Atlantic City.
She was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Upon her arrival in Philadelphia, she joined the Vine Memorial Baptist Church. After moving to Ardmore, Pennsylvania with her husband, she joined Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Leonard M. Jones, Sr. where she remained a member until her illness under the current pastorate of Reverend James A. Pollard, Sr., Ph.D.
She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving and devoted son, Jimmy; one brother, Stanley M. Dean of Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania; two sisters-in-law, Sara Dean and Esther Gross of Camden , New Jersey; two brothers-in-law, Milton Minus and Leonard Minus of Lawnside, New Jersey; many nieces and nephews, a host of cousins and other extended family.