Norma Claire Barnes

NORMA CLAIRE BARNES (nee HUNTER) was born on the 24th of April, 1935 to Amy Louise Edwards and James Hunter in Spanish Town, Jamaica. She received her formative education at the Barracks School and later went on to complete her Secretarial training where she became employed at the Spanish Town Courts Office. She met and married the late Mr. Leroy Augustus Barnes of Clarendon, Jamaica at the age of 21. In search of a better life for their growing family, they migrated to Montreal, Canada and finally settled in Roosevelt, New York. While in New York, she continued her work as a secretary at a textile company, Futterman Industries in Freeport, NY. Futterman ultimately moved to the garment district of Manhattan and Norma continued on, going into the city every day. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Many summers, Norma would pack up the family for a vacation road trip visiting places like Washington, DC, Boston, MA, or Philadelphia, PA just to name a few. She even travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aside from her adventurous spirit, Norma always had a thirst for education. She impressed upon her children the importance of getting a college degree. When her youngest child had graduated high school, and encouraged by her childhood friend, Hermine Morgan, she took the courageous leap and went back to school to become a nurse at the age of 50. She completed her career as a Registered Nurse Supervisor Certified in Gerontology (RN-C) at the Gurwin Geriatric Center in Commack, New York. In 2007, she retired to Winter Haven, Florida where her adventures continued. When she was not traveling with, or to visit family, she enjoyed bowling and participating in several social clubs, with the residents of the Lake Ashton community. Her activities also included professional mentorship and engagement of youth from vulnerable African-American communities throughout Polk County. More than anything, Norma cherished spending time with her family, celebrating life and simply having a good time dancing, singing or being creative with arts and crafts. Norma Barnes was truly blessed. She was born on April 24, 1935 and departed this life on April 11, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Basil Hugh Barnes. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children and their spouses, sons, Anthony (Vinette), Roderick (Karen) and Patrick (Janice D.) and daughters Patricia and Janice A. (Corey), her sister, Shirley Douglas, her nieces, Joan (Claudel), Marcia (Wayne) and Jacqueline and nephew Colin (Donna), grandchildren: Warren, Trecia, Candace, Felicia, Karissa, Raynell, Renita, Monique, Steven, Nicole, Stephanie, Shannon, Keelan, Adam, Patrick, Brendon, Darah, Iman, Isaiah, Nia, S-nemeh, cousins, great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Norma Claire Barnes

April 24, 1935 - April 11, 2023