Ria Norman

Ria M. Norman VIRGINIA BEACH - On Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 Ria Michelle Norman entered into eternal rest. A native of Virginia Beach, Ria resided in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a speech pathologist at J.O. Wilson Elementary School. In 1998, Ria graduated from Princess Anne High School with honors and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in health services administration from James Madison University in 2002. While attending James Madison University, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She received a Master of Science degree in speech language pathology in 2009 from the University of the District of Columbia. She was predeceased by her father, Milton Norman; maternal and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William and Anna Hall of Norfolk; Mr. Milton Lee Norman of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Mrs. Clara Etta Norman of Chicago. Although short, Ria's life was vibrant and eventful. She dearly loved her family and friends, and shared a special, close knit and unwavering bond with her mother and father. She was always dependable and willing to help anyone in need with an effortless demeanor. Her radiant smile was a true reflection of her effervescent personality, and she leaves a legacy of loyalty, friendship, and happiness - teaching us all to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. The memories of her life shall be cherished by her loving mother, Sandra Norman; her sisters, Enid Bos of England and Dr. Dara Norman Olsen (Dr. Knut) of Arizona; her aunts, Phyllis Johns of Virginia Beach, Cornelia Spencer (William) of Chesapeake, and Ruth McLeod (Benjamin) of Chesapeake; a special aunt, Atrice Long of Durham, N.C.; her cousins, Gerard Baker (Tami) of Springfield, Va., Gerri Lindsay (Darnell) of Dallas, Bryant McLeod and Brandyn McLeod of Chesapeake; Taylore Baker of Grovetown, Ga., Olivia Baker of Springfield, Va., Russell Brown (Dr. Sheron) and Russon Brown and Shesel Washington (Terry) of Naperville, Ill., Gaya Williams, Claretta Williams and Stanford Williams of Chicago, Bonita Watson of Cynthiana, Ky., Phillip Watson of Louisville, Ky., and Larry Watson of Shaker Heights, Ohio; her nephew, Nathan Bos of England; her niece, Tyra Olsen; her godmothers, Helena Dodson and Lillian Thomas of Chesapeake and Juanna Hayes of Charlotte, N.C.; her godchildren, Anaiya Jones and Braxton Menkiti; her sister- friends, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti (Bo), Anissa Jones (Donell) and Tennille Bowser; her furry friends Justice and Maxx; and a host of other family members and friends. A wake will be held today, Nov. 14, at Graves Funeral Home in Norfolk, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The funeral will take place Monday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at New Calvary Baptist Church, 800 East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Interment will take place at Roosevelt Memorial Gardens Cemetery.