Thelma E. Norwood

Thelma Ellen Norwood, daughter of the late Samuel Barnes Norwood and Thelma Ellen Norwood was born September 26, 1940 in Harbeson, Delaware. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 5:28 a.m. at Bayhealth Hospital, in Dover, Delaware. Ellen as her family and friends affectionately called her; attended William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown, Delaware. She later attended Delaware Technical and Community College receiving an Associates Degree in Human Services and Wilmington College receiving a Bachelors Degree in Behavior Sciences. She was a member of Ecclessia Family Worship Center and was the Mother of the Church. Ellen had a love of life and touched many lives. She was a leader in everything she did. She wanted everything to be done to perfection. She was like the “Energizer Bunny”, she kept going and going and going. She wore many hats. There was not a job that she would not tackle. She loved to sing and was a member of the Rebirth Gospel Choir for over 25 years. She was a choir director, caregiver and Foster Grandparent. She also loved to travel and often talked about her many adventures and the many places that she traveled. She loved to crochet and collect angel figurines. However, the things she loved the most were her children and grandchildren, but foremost, was her love for God. Her favorite Bible scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path, “God loves you and so do I.” Ellen was an active member of St. Matthew’s Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; Prince Hall Affiliation, a Past Matron of Adah Chapter #1, Past Most Ancient Grand Matron of Queen of Sheba Most Ancient Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho, Past Matron of Naomi Court #2, Heroines of Jericho; Honorary Member of Rebekah Court #4, Heroines of Jericho; a member of Delaware Assembly #43, Order of the Golden Circle; Past Commandress of Fannie Brice Cyrene Royal Court #5; Royal Perfect Matron of Alberta Gaines Court #6 , Ladies of the Circle of Perfection; and a member of Fez Court #211, Daughters of AEAONMS. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by siblings Benjamin Norwood, Daniel Norwood, Charles Norwood, Fedora Jones, Robert Norwood, Grace Winston and Christina Greene. Ellen was married to the late Howard Hicks and from that union were five children. She leaves many wonderful memories to her five children, Deborah Ann Lewis and husband David, of Middleburg, FL, Emory Tommy Hicks and wife Nunn of Hawaii, Miles G. Hicks and wife Fely of Japan, Jeffrey T. Hicks and wife Yolande of Felton, DE, and Luke Hicks of Dover, DE; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five siblings, Elizabeth Moore and husband Wabash of Frankford, DE, Lydia Brooks and husband Michael of Salisbury, MD, Ernest Norwood and wife Sandra of Pine Forge, PA, Marilyn Hatton and husband Gene of Dover, DE, and Naomi Winston of Dallas, TX; sister-in-law, Beverly Jackson; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Prayerfully Submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma E. Norwood, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Thelma E. Norwood

September 26, 1940 - February 18, 2018