Annie Norris

As Christians we are called to be all things to all people-which is basically having a love and understanding of people that through caring and sharing we might show Christ. Annie pretty mush fitted that bill. We say this, in part, because she was known by many names among family, friends and acquaintances. Not that she introduced herself as such, but those drawn to her seemingly adopted some variation of her name based on their retrospective relationship. To family and friends, she was know as Annie Margaret. Some called her Anna Margaret- while others called her Ann, Annie, Anna, Margaret or Markie. She answered to all of them. She loved people and they loved her. Even as a child, she loved being in the midst of family and friends, including the adults- which is one of the reasons that they always remembered her, and she could tell you a thing or two about them too. Annie had a very keen memory. She never met a stranger and was naturally curios about people, in general. The family also valued her as the "peacekeeper" and "stabilizer" (another story for another time). Annie was a difference maker. She was a loyal friend and a good listener, unpretentious, down to earth, compassionate, strong-willed, and stern when the occasion called for it. She had a way of putting others at ease and was the person you went to if you needed wisdom and wanted to hear the "plain truth". Usually said what she meant and meant what she said -and this was pretty well understood among family members. She was also known and loved for her cooking and hospitality. "Consistency" was the one attribute that Annie clearly demonstrated in her talk , her walk, and her relationship with Christ. She enjoyed long term relationships with family, friends,and co-workers alike, both in season and out. Annie was consistent in her love for the church, her Pastor and church family. She was raised in First Christian Community Baptist Church and never left. Busy about her Father's business, working earnestly in the church mostly with her hands. She endured til the end. Annie Margaret Winters was born on September 18, 1946, to the late Howard S. and Queen E. Winters. The fourth born of five siblings- two of which preceded her in death (Sandra A. Hamlin (Garner, NC) and (Robert S. Winters). She graduated from Douglass High School in 1964 and earned an Associates Degree in Business from Cortez Peters Business School in Baltimore in 1966. In her youth, she worked for many years with the International Ladies Garment Workers Unions (at a time when unions in this nation were influential and Strong). before moving on to Reznick Accounting Firm where she later retired. She married James Norris, Sr. and took on the role as step-mother to five boys. This marriage later ended in divorce. Annie's health had declined in the past several years, and she departed this life on Monday, August 29, 2022, following a brief hospital stay. She leaves to mourn her only son, Kenrick S, Winters (who she raised in Christ and did an excellent job), her two sisters Esther Mae Steptoe and Helen M. Grier ; her great aunt, Margaret Coleman (Garner,NC) and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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Annie Norris

September 18, 1946 - August 29, 2022