Ms. Loretta E. Norman

Loretta Elsenia Neeley Norman was born June 17, 1926, the baby girl born to the union of the late Leroy and Jessie Hancock Neeley in Quindaro, Kansas. She attended Vernon School and graduated from Western University. She united in marriage to Judge R. Norman Jr. in 1942, and to that union four children were born. Loretta graduated Cosmetology at Sumner High School under the tutelage of Mrs. Boston Daniels. She also worked at the Baughman Egg Plant and at the Suit Factories in the Garment district at 10th and Broadway in Kansas City Missouri where she retired after many years of service. Elsenia united with the First Baptist Church Quindaro at an early age and baptized at Metropolitan Baptist Temple, 9th & Washington Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas. She remained a faithful lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Quindaro and served in the ministry of music over seventy years; retiring as Director of Music. Loretta also worked with the Church Beautiful Club, Missionary department, and many fundraising events. She attended the National Baptist convention and the James Cleveland Music Workshops for thirty years. She served Kaw Valley as the District Musician for more than 30 years, becoming the Emeritus in 2016. Mrs. Norman was a member of the Scripture Shower family, the Order of Eastern Star Jennie N. Moore Chapter #50, Young Memorial COGIC food pantry, Quindaro Community Center Annual Thanksgiving dinner, and a catalyst for the Quindaro Reunion Committee. Loretta was a Notary Public and known as Mrs. Tax when she prepared taxes. She believed that a community should unite, together to get things done. Mrs. Norman attended churches in Kansas and Missouri. Elsenia received numerous awards and accolades from churches and other organizations which she belonged; namely, The Kansas City Evangelist Singers, The Family and Friends Choir, Ronald E. Terry Music Award, Dr. Valdenia C. Winn House of Representatives; Mayor Joseph Reardon Unified Government of Wyandotte County Kansas; Congressman Dennis Moore regarding Quindaro Urban Improvement; David Haley Member of Kansas Senate; and the late Marvin Robinson II regarding the Historic Quindaro Ruins. Loretta traveled extensively and enjoyed going on cruises. She had the distinct honor of meeting former President Barack Obama and first lady, Michelle Obama at a White House Celebration in 2015. Mrs. Norman loved being around people, helping them and seeing them happy. When it came to family gatherings and holidays, she was always present and provided her delicious macaroni and cheese and lemon meringue pies. She was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Neeley; her mother, Jessie Neeley; two siblings, Irma Powell; and Juanita Barnett; two sons, Judge Norman III; and Lonnie Norman; two daughters, Rita Norman Lang; and Loretta Emma Norman; two grandsons, Antwan; and Leon Jones. She is survived by grandchildren, Michael Summers; Derek Frye; Marcus Barnes; Kimberly Norman; Keinya Porter; Robert Lang III; 10 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her church family, whom she loved dearly. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist of Quindaro 3030 Farrow Ave. KCKS 66104. Interment: Old Quindaro Cemetery. Visitation: 9-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com