Dr. Normalaene Rozzelle

Normalaene Rozzelle, born in Chillicothe, Missouri on February 22, 1936, to the union of Lloyd and Frances Rozzelle. After her parents death in 1944, Norma and her younger sister, Lois remained in Chillicothe, where they were raised by their paternal grandparents, while her two older sisters, Betty and Francine migrated to the Kansas City area to live with their aunt and uncle. Norma received her early years of education from her maternal grandfather, James Bruce. Eventually, she was bused an hour away to attend Dalton Elementary and Dalton High School. She graduated with honors in 1953. Shortly after graduating, Norma moved to and established residency in Kansas City, where she lovingly raised her only daughter (Debby) and two sons [Donald and Paris (Happy)]. Norma accepted Christ at a young age and continued her Christian service and journey throughout her 87 years. With her children by her side, she united and served as an administrator, church clerk and in leadership at Gregg Tabernacle AME Church, Greater Corinthian Church (where she was credited with directing a play "The Three Hebrew Boys), and finally Bethel AME Church. Norma served her community while working as head cashier at Milgram Food Store on Prospect for approximately 15 years. Norma came from a family of educators, so it was only befitting that she went on to obtain her Bachelor's Degree from Avila University, followed by her Master's and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University in 1990, which she completed in only 2 1/2 years! Dr. Rozzelle retired from the Kansas City Missouri Public School District after 40+ years of service. She touched and taught a mass of students during her tenure, pouring into students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Mary Harmon Weeks Elementary, Southeast High School, Central High School, and the Kansas City Technical School. Norma served as a dedicated chaperone for the Marching Cobras for 6 years. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, making chocolate fudge candy, creating floral arrangements and playing the piano. She made Cabbage Patch dolls and quilts for church members and family. She will be remembered as a women who embodied class and enjoyed shopping on the Plaza at Wolf Brothers, Halls, Swanson's, Jack Henry, and Saks Fifth Ave. Her home, "her palace" was decorated with beautiful white furniture and white lush carpet. The family credits Norma for being the family historian. She traced our roots back to the 1800s, unveiling historical facts such as: ancestors that had their images on dollar bills, many family members worked in education field, and even owned slaves. She was most proud of her work to finally have her great uncle's (Blanch K. Bruce first African American Senator in Mississippi to serve a full term 1874-1881) portrait displayed in the U.S. Old Senate Gallery in 2002. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren commend her for being the "rock of the family". They all agree that she loved her family no matter what and quote that "God gave them the best!" Mother always came through, and could be counted on to show up and do whatever was needed. Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother was loved and will be missed, but always in our hearts! Norma was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Francine Jackson, Betty Saxton, and Lois Brooks; two grandsons - Derrick Henderson and DeOnte' Harrington and numerous nieces, nephews, uncle, aunts and cousins. She leaves to behind to cherish her memory, one daughter: Debby Rozzelle Carter, two sons: Donald Rozzelle (Felicia), Paris (Happy) Harrington III. Eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, 10:00am at Sheffield Family Life Center. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9am-10am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on website lawrenceajonesandsons.com

Dr. Normalaene Rozzelle

February 22, 1936 - August 30, 2023