James Douglas Norwood

James Douglas (J.D.) Norwood was born on March 15, 1937 to the late Rev. John R. Norwood and Benzena Norwood.  He departed his earthly life on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

J.D. joined the United States Air Force, and he served his country honorably.  J.D. also received numerous honors for his service.  He was very active in his community and various organizations.  He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Legion as an official member. J.D. has been nominated for National Membership in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C..  J.D. served as an active member of the Teamsters National Black Caucus for forty-one years.  He received various certificates for defensive driving skills including a Certificate of Appreciation from the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Campaign.  J.D. received an historic invitation from the current Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi to attend President Obama’s last State of the Union before the Presidential election on January 17, 2012.  He mentored many young people.  He is especially honored to have been the Big Brother to four young men, including Mr. Keith Norman, who owns his own barber shop in Baltimore, Maryland.  J.D.’s proudest achievement was receiving the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Incorporated Brother of the Year Award.

J.D. received his religious training at an early age from his parents, Rev. John R. Norwood and  Benzena Norwood.  He was baptized at Mount Lebonan Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland on April 19, 1994. 

J.D. was preceded in death by his parents Rev. John R. Norwood and Benzena Norwood; sisters, Juanita Rorie, Geneva Norwood, Gertrude Lloyd, Lonzena Brown and brothers, Charles Norwood and Dr. Rev. John Norwood, Jr. 

J.D.  leaves to cherish his memory his lovely, devoted wife and soul mate of 57 years, Bernice W. Norwood, his son Chase (Jandell) Norwood of Camden, one daughter, Rosetta (Zebedee) Taylor of Milton, Florida; five grandchildren, Jordan Norwood, Oliviyah Norwood, Skylah Norwood of Camden, Jerome Fisher of San Antonio, Texas and Alexis Oliver of Pensacola, Florida; three great grandchildren.  A loving niece Pastor Mary Hickman that he lovingly called “Mom” and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  

J.D. also leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Mary Mildred Owens and one brother Nathaniel Norwood of Camden; four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Andrew (Jackie) Williams, Doris (Fred) Kelly of Camden, SC, Thomas (Geneva) Williams of Columbia, SC Charles Miller, New York, New York and Rev Dr. James Green of Brooklyn, New York.

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