Taylor Funeral Home, Inc | Phenix City, AL

Obituary For Norma "Nan" Menefee

Ms. Norma Alene "Nan" Menefee, 69, of Augusta, GA, passed Monday, October 21, 2019 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be 1:00 pm EST, Friday, November 1, 2019 at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Garrett, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens.

Norma Alene Menefee (Nan) was born on November 26,1949 to the late Annie Lee Kendrick Menefee and Deacon Nathaniel Hawthorne Menefee.

At an early age she confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and was baptized in the fellowship of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. During her early childhood, she was a member of the Sunbeam Band (a missionary youth organization) and a member of the Junior Usher Board.

Norma was educated in the Phenix City School System and also attended Mother Mary Mission School during her elementary and junior high years. Afterwards, she attended South Girard High School where she was a proud graduate of the Class of 1966. She was also a member of the South Girard High School Alumni Association. After high school, she graduated from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and later furthered her education by earning a Master of Education (M.Ed) at Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts.

In Augusta, GA, Norma enjoyed being an honorary member of The Bunch social club which has promoted educational opportunities for youth in the community as well as civic causes. The Bunch participated in the inception of The Augusta City Classic which is now an annual HBCU event in the CSRA.

Ms. Menefee retired from the Richmond County School System after 30 years of dedicated service, most of which were as a middle school teacher at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School. During her career she had a positive influence on her students as many of them thanked her once they reached adulthood for being so tough on them in her classroom. She often fondly spoke of her former students and co-workers and shared those cherished memories with her family.

She loved her family, dear friends, former students and co-workers, and most of all, she loved God.

She is survived by her father, Deacon Nathaniel H. Menefee; her only son, Eric C. Menefee; two sisters, Jo Ethel Price and Linda L. Menefee; three brothers, Nathaniel, Mark Steven (Michele) and Guy; one aunt, Mrs. Mamie Menefee; two nieces, Kimberly Palmer (Gerald), and Milessa Menefee; two nephews, Mark S. Menefee, Jr. and Adam Sumbry; one great niece, Kiana Palmer, and one great nephew, Gerald Palmer, Jr.; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Guest Book

Ms. Menefee was a true champion of education.Among many great things, she was a community activist with great intelligence and quick wit. She was tough on her students but they are all the better for having the opportunity to sit in a classroom with pure educational greatness. I loved our conversations and being able to pick up on some of your expertise as a master teacher. Thank you for your service to the students, parents and teachers of the Richmond County school system. It was an honor to work alongside you at C.T. Walker but it was definitely a blessing to be able to call you my friend. Prayers and blessings to all of her family and loved ones. Love you forever, Jermeka Ford

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I am sad to learn of Ms. Menefee's passing. I was Principal and during her interview I recall Ms. Menefee saying, "If you give me a chance I will not let you down." She lived up to those words and more. Rest in Peace Ms. Menefee. Jimmy J. Boozer Principal, C. T. Walker Magnet School 1980-1999

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Eric is my brother from another Mother. Nan and the Menefee Family treated me as one of their own. If you ever saw a picture of her, she always had that stern school teacher look, like "Son you know you are in trouble"... But her smile and her laugh would light up a room. Happy Homegoing to a wonderful woman who lived a full life and touched so many people. Nan if you are reading this, please don't scold me for errors. You will be sorely missed.

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I and my sisters have so many beautiful memories of Ms. Menefee. She was a dear friend of our family for many, many years, and we loved her dearly. We're all very sad to hear of her passing. We send our heartfelt prayers of peace and comfort to her family, friends, former students and all who knew and loved her. We know she impacted the lives of many. She certainly holds a sweet place in our hearts. - The Watkins Family (Marlene, Mia, Michelle, Monica and Marcia)

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Ms. Menefee was a very wonderful teacher. I attended C. T. Walker Magnet School and has her 96-97 school year. She will be dearly missed and may she Rest In Peace.

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To the family of Norma "Menne" Menefee, She is already missing from our presence, but we must hold fast to dear memories of her dedication to the C. T. Walker children, her sense of humor, and the great friendship. However, God's word reminds us,'to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!' I pray her family and friends find peace and understanding through their faith in God. Beulah Powell-McClattie

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Sincerest condolences to Norma's family. She was a dear friend and colleague who held herself and her students to the highest standards. Wit and intelligence were her trademarks. It saddens me and many others that she is lost to us.

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Words cannot express my deepest sincerest condolences to your family..Mrs. Menefee is because she will forever be one of the greatest English teachers in my career as a coworker a friend and constant reminder of steadfast commitment to her gift of teaching . She was a tough cookie so to speak .. that’s because she would allow for self pity or laziness ... her expectations were high and she demand your best .. This is why so many of the students in the yesteryear as we ‘the beginning of a legacy like to say’ have gone on to do great things excel pass their peers and comeback to that foundation to thank her and those who were there at that time.. I will forever treasure the conversations, the outings , and the laughter we shared. Although you’ve left us physically your legacy remains...I know my grammar may mot be correct but I’m sure you’ll fix it with red ink And let me know .. love you to life .,, Rhonda Keller and family

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Our most sincere condolences to all of the Menefee family as they mourn Norma's passing and come together to celebrate her legacy and blessed homecoming. Norma was my cherished colleague and friend for many years at CTWalker Magnet School, as well as a most impactful teacher and mentor to both of my own children. Her wry wit and dry sense of humor, her diligence and expertise in the classroom, and her love of the Lord will be remembered in ripples throughout generations. God Bless her life well lived. Mary Ann and Eric Marriott Timothy Marriott Rachel Marriott Landing

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May GOD bless and comfort all who loved Norma during this time of bereavement. She was a great inspiration to me and my Sons. I will always remember how she encouraged us to not just study, but to use what we studied. She will be missed. We love You Ms. Menefee! Yvette THOMPSON, Clifton & Dominique

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Taylor Funeral Home, Inc.