Norris P. Phillips

1930 - 2021

Norris Poyner Phillips, 91, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2021, at Georgian Manor Assisted Living in Chesapeake, VA. He was born on July 23, 1930, in Moyock, NC, the third of eight children to the late Jacob and Johnnie Phillips. He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine Stokes Phillips, sisters Wilhelmina Barnard, Joyce Crews, Setenia Smith, and LaBarbara Hughes, brothers Jacob, Wendell, and

Aaron Phillips, and niece Cynthia B. White. Norris graduated valedictorian of Currituck County Training school, from The Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina (North Carolina A and T State University) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science, and from Fordham University in New York with a Master's of Social Work. Norris gave so much of his time and used his talents to help others, especially his family. In college, he pledged Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and joined ROTC and became an officer. He continued his military career in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant during the Korean Conflict and later in the U.S. Navy as a reservist. His career as a social work administrator spanned over 50 years to include Deputy Commissioner for the State of New York, Executive Director for the Edwin Gould Services for Children in New York City, and Administrator for Pendleton Child Services Center in Virginia Beach, VA. He was Lecturer at Hunter College in New York City and Adjunct Professor at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. As a man of God and devoted Catholic, he joined the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, VA. He served on the Pastoral Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Eucharistic Minister and Gatekeeper. Left to cherish his memories are his Special Niece, Dr. Wanda Barnard-Bailey (Kevin), Special Nephew, Phillip Kevin Smith (Nadra), Brother-in-Law Clarence L. Smith, Nieces and Nephews Vanessa Barnard, Renee Phillips, Robert Crews, Jr. (Veronica), Kimberly Barnard-Bracey (Irvin, Jr.), Dr. Lisa Smith-Sherrod (Clifton), Tonya Phillips, Frank H. Hughes Jr., and Barbara Hughes; Special Cousin Samuel Granby, Jr. (Ayris); Special Family Friend Michael Wilson; and many great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. The wake will be held 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Metropolitan Funeral Services Berkley, 120 West Berkley, Norfolk, VA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 232 Chapel Street, Norfolk, VA. Interment will be conducted at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, immediately following the Mass. The family would like to thank the staff members of Georgian Manor Assisted Living and Westminister Canterbury Home Health and Hospice for their loving care. The family requests in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Basilica of Saint Mary-Soup Kitchen, Norfolk VA.