Diane Louise (Lewis) Norris

Ms. Diane L. Norris, born December 27, 1955 to Edris A. Lewis and Joseph Norris in Stamford, CT, passed away suddenly September 30, 2021.  She was raised by her mother and the late Edward W. Lewis in Waterbury, CT.

Diane leaves behind her first born Makeba L. Norris  of Los Angeles, CA and second born Farakhan Norris of Bronx, NY, her grandson Isaiah of Bronx, NY, her mother Edris A. Lewis, four brothers: Freddie D. (Ruby) Lewis of Mint Hill, NC, Johnathon R. Lewis, Andreas P. Lewis of Waterbury, CT, Kevin  Johnson of Atlanta, GA and eight sisters Cecilia Lewis Baker of Dublin GA, Yvonne McCauley of Atlanta, GA, Rosalyn Lewis (Willie) Flowers, Sheryle Harris, Linda Lewis (Cleophus) Goodman, Audrey  A. Lewis all of Waterbury, CT Valerie Johnson of Los Angeles, CA and Valencia A. Lewis of Laurel, MD, and a whole host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Diane is preceded in death by her beloved Stepfather Edward W. Lewis, three brothers Edward W. Lewis III, Edward Garrett, and Michael Garrett and two sisters Gertrude L. Lewis Teasley and Edris L. Lewis Hughes.

She was a faithful member and pillar of Cosmopolitan Church of the Lord Jesus in the Bronx where she was on the Usher Board and sang in the choir; she served her church, the community and the Lord faithfully right until her last breath.

Diane retired from the Supreme Court of the state of New York working as a stenographer.  As a lifelong learner, Diane devoted so much of her life to empowering the scholastic pursuits of others. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Mercy College, double master’s from Walden University and was in the process of completing her dissertation for her Doctorate.

Diane was an activist in her community and a philanthropist. She was dedicated to motivating students and protecting the future of young scholars by lobbying for consistent scholarship funding for the young minds of the Bronx. She had a heart for special needs individuals and would go out of her way to empower them and ensure that they were receiving appropriate assistance.  She received many awards over her lifetime for her achievements and community influence. Diane loved spending time with her family, traveling and attending many performances on Broadway.

She was a woman who enjoyed life, service to God and others, no job was too small.  Her laughter was an embodiment of her inner joy and her love embraced all who came to know her.  Her laughter was an image of her life, full of joy.

Visitation and a celebration of life service and visitation will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 promptly at 1:00 pm at The Salvation Army Waterbury Corps, 74 Central Ave., Waterbury.  All visitors will be required to have their temperatures taken and wear a mask while in the building.  Please do not attend if you are not feeling well.  Interment will immediately follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery, Meriden Rd., Waterbury.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Ms.Lewis funeral services and to assist her family during this very difficult time.  You are encouraged to share a photo, a memory or words of comfort for Diane's family on her Tribute Wall on this website.  

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