Karen Denise Norwood Maples

Obituary For Karen Denise Norwood Maples

Karen Denise Norwood Maples, 60, of Palatka, Florida, was born on Saturday, October 9, 1965, in Palatka, Florida, to the late Deacon and Deaconess James Norwood, Sr. and Bertha Mae Ford Norwood. Affectionately known as “Denise” to her loving family, friends, and throughout the community, she was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loving daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and a beautiful soul whose presence left an unforgettable impression upon all who were blessed to know her.
Denise was raised in the Christian faith at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Frederick T. Demps. It was there that she established her Christian foundation, surrounded by faith, family, and a loving church community. As her spiritual journey continued, she later united with the grand old House of God Church under the leadership of Bishop Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., where she continued her Christian fellowship. Although life's journey carried Denise to different places, she eventually returned to Palatka, the place she would always call home.
Denise was a hardworking and dedicated dietary cook who took great pride in caring for others through her profession. She understood that preparing food was more than simply providing a meal; it was an opportunity to demonstrate love, offer comfort, and serve others with compassion. Throughout her career, she displayed a dependable work ethic and a genuine commitment to those entrusted to her care. Following her return to Palatka, Denise continued her professional journey at Crestwood Nursing Home, now known as Radiant Care Center, where she faithfully served for five years. She later continued her employment at Putnam Medical Center, now known as HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. Her years of dedicated service reflected the compassionate, hardworking, and caring woman she was.

In addition to her parents, Denise preceded in eternal rest by her son, Ricky L. Maples Jr.; uncles, Curley Ford, Edward Ford, Harvey Ford, and Odell Ford, Sr.; aunts, D. Virginia Moore, Elouis Ford, Ann Dorothy Robinson, Rosa Lee Jenkins, Emma Dixion; brother -in-law, Jimmie C. Williams Sr.; like a brother, Robert Ford.

Denise entered eternal rest on Sunday, October 04, 2026, at 11 pm at Roberts Hospice Care Center. She will be deeply missed by her children, family, friends, and all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Laquasha Jones (Palatka); son, Ri’Madi Maples (Orlando); granddaughter, Brooklyn Maples (Palatka); sisters, Marietta Ford Mobley (East Palatka), Sarah Norwood Williams (Palatka), and Shelia Norwood (Gainesville); brothers, James (Regina) Norwood Jr. (Palatka) Anthony Norwood (Gainesville); Like a daughter to her, Kristan Williams; Like sisters to her, Annetta Hanna (Palatka) and Linda Session (Palatka); and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The Norwood-Maples Family will receive extended family, friends, and the community on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. in The Felix’s Coleman Memorial Chapel (139 North Main St. Hastings, FL 32145). The Homegoing Celebration will be 11:00a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at The Palatka House of God Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill – West Cemetery.

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