Mrs. Dorothy Norris

Obituary For Mrs. Dorothy Norris

Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Norris, 82, of Orangeburg, SC, will be held 2:30pm, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, with interment to follow in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Old State Road, St. Matthews, SC.

Dorothy Williams Norris was born to the late Rosa Lee and Dureen Williams on November 8, 1942. She was the third child born in that union. At the age of 82 Dorothy gained her wings on Thursday July 3, 2025, at the family home.

Dororthy education started in Calhoun County Public School System before attending public school in Plainfield, NJ. Growing up she had to take on odd jobs such as house cleaning to help the family. She said that “she stayed in trouble because she wasn’t a good worker in the fields”.

While being in NJ for some time, she met the late William ‘Bill’ Norris on July 3, 1964, they came to St. Matthews, SC, where they got married. They shared five children Viola, Anthony, Mitchell, Rose and Yolanda.

Dorothy loved her family and supported them the best she could. While living in Plainfield, NJ, the home of 552 West 5TH Street, is where she raised her children. Dorothy was a pillar in the community and helped everybody she could in the neighborhood. Whether it was financial or just an encouraging word to help them make it through the day. As the children got older the house became a hangout spot. One person asked her “why you let all these kids stay around your house so much” she replied, “I can keep a better eye on them”. Dorothy was known for keeping the kids in check.

In 1985, as a member of Faith Baptist Church, known now as Faith Christian Outreach Center, Pastor Wilbur Robinson, she received the gift of the Holy Spirit. In 1978, Dorothy got a job as packer for Cosmair Inc. known as Polo and Ralph Lauren Cosmetic located in Piscataway NJ. In December of 1987, the company relocated, and her job was ended. Dorothy continued to love her family, grandkids and new friends.

On November 26, 1988, her maternal grandmother Mary Ann Duckson passed away. On that visit back home, Dorothy decided to return to her hometown St. Matthews SC. She wanted to be around her younger brothers and sisters. After relocating home on October 1, 1989, Dorothy started working for the Calhoun County School System. While this was a new chapter in her life, Dorothy remained the same helpful person as in NJ, willing to give a helping hand.

Throughout the years Dorothy was a woman of faith. She returned to the family’s church Second Mount Beulah Baptist Church. In 2001-2002, Shubach Ministries, Sumter SC, Dr. T. L Penny. In 2003-2007, Liberty Christian Ministry Swansea SC, Prophet Roger Fowler, 2009- 2011, while Dorothy resided in Greensboro she attended the Embassy International Church, which is known as The More Church, Pastor Anthony Q. Knotts. In 2012, True Full Gospel Baptist Church St. Matthews SC, Pastor Cliford Brown. In 2014, God Provides Way of the Cross Church St. Matthews SC, under the late Hercules Guinyard.

On August 29, 2003, Dorothy retired from Calhoun County school. She enjoyed life with family and friends. Dorothy favorite pass time was watching her daytime stories: The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with Sheryl Wilson the next-door neighbor, who sat and kept her company. Dorothy loved sharing her wisdom and her ole-time stories surrounding family and life to anyone who came to visit and talked with her.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her loving memories with three daughters: Viola (Willoughby) Guy, Yolanda Evette Norris of Greensboro NC, and Rose M. Norris of St. Matthews SC; two sons Anthony Williams of Whitsett, NC and Mitchell Norris Greenville, SC.; grandchildren: Nems An Ab Akhu Kutisha Philadelphia, PA; Rodney Barlow Jr. and Romein Barlow Sr. of St. Matthews SC; Alisha and Kylonda Goines, Nicole Norris Greensboro, NC; Nicole Goode, Mitchell M. Norris, Ryan Norris of Gastonia, NC; Alliyah Ward Whitsett, NC; Zjatavianna (Daniel) Mendieta, Arizona; great-grandchildren: Aniya Lucus, Ayo Kutisha, Kwesi Kutisha, Zavier R. Barlow, Zavion R. Barlow, Jasmine Twitty, Jamaury Miller, Zaveon Wilson, Jaxon Norris, Mensah Kutisha, Selah Kutisha, Ayanna E. Norris, Khari Goines-Perk, Romar M. Barlow, Rodney Barlow III, Romein L. Barlow Jr., Gissell Barlow, Kimarah Norris, Micah Mendieta; great great-granddaughter Ava N. Lucus; her loving siblings: Deloris Williams Plainfield NJ, Pearline Williams Cayce SC, Joe (Mary) Williams, Corine McKenzie and Shirley Gilford St. Matthews, SC and Bernard (Virigina) Williams Orangeburg SC.; with much love and support, she leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Mrs. Norris passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at her residence.

Public viewing will be held Friday, July 18, 2025, from 1-6pm.

Family and friends may visit 1260 F R Huff Drive, St. Matthews, SC or call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com

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