Celebrating Her Spirit, Lade Miriam Richardson Norwood, May 11, 1936- October 3, 2014

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CELEBRATING HER SPIRIT
MAY 11, 1936- OCTOBER 3, 2014

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CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF

Friday, October 10, 2014
Lying in Repose ible Way Ministries International
4:00-6:00 PM
Celebrating Her Spirit
Officiating Bishop Jonathan E. Alvarado
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Lying in Repose Ray of Hope Christian Church
9:00-11 :00 AM
A Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Officiating Apostle James Maye
COOLJC

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Officiating
Bishop James Maye Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Region VI
"Praise Is What I Do"

Monica Hargrave Harpist
Celebration Choir

"Fellowship Medley"

Lady Ruby Jones, Alto

Bishop Jonathan E. Alvarado

"My Faith Has Found a Resting Place"

Lidie H. Edmunds

Bishop Vernon Berry

Psalms 139:10 Proverbs 31:25-31 Romans 8:28-39

"It Is Well With My Soul"

Bishop Clarence Jones Elder John Whitman Bishop Robert Powell
Horatio G. Spafford
Deacon Winston Knox Sister Annie Berry Sister Hattie Way
Sister Stephanie Valentine

Representing the Norwood Manor & Thomasville Community at Large Sister Brenda McMichael, First Lady, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church a d Life Center
Reverend Tracey Fletcher, Senior Pastor, Wesley Chapel A.M. E.

''Take Me to the King"

Karmyn Moton, Granddaughter

"Safe In His Arms"

Sister Lisa Simon, First Lady Galilee Way of the Cross
Delicia Heard, Soprano

Sean and Wendy Cotton
Janetta Mcintyre, President Georgia Association of Ministers' Wives &Ministers' Widows, Inc.
Dr. Beverly W. Glover, President International Association of Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows, Inc.
Dr. Celeste Ashe Johnson

The Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014, 11 :OOam at Ray of Hope Christian Church , 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, GA 30034, with remains placed in repose at 9:00am. Interment
at South View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Lady Miriam Norwood Global Missions Fund, Wells Fargo Bank (Account No. 7970996141 ).

God Has a Plan - The Lord has a plan for our lives. When we are young we often become anxious about attention from a boyfriend or girlfriend, graduation from high school, what college to attend, what major to choose and many other decisions. In our case, as saved young people in the church reaching the age of dating , we were each praying. Not a prayer of desperation, but a "Lord have your way prayer."
Praying for a Companion - In the church in Atlanta there were not many young people. Some of the saints began to wonder what young Matthew, affectionately known as "Mackey" was going to do. He says confidently, they didn't know what "Mackey" was doing . He was praying. Praying and asking the Lord to send him a godly wife.
Praying Mothers - Almost a thousand miles away, a mother was praying for her daughter: "Lord, please send a consecrated young man for my daughter. A daughter was praying : "Lord , have your way in my life." A mother was praying , "Lord send a companion for my son. A son was praying, "Lord, send the right young lady to be my partner for life."
"...Glistens Like Gold!"
Here's to a marriage that glistens like gold; Here's to a coup le's who's "To have and to hold;"
Where vows that meant that they'd always be loving and faithful eternally. Here's to the friends who are wishing you well;
Who've shared life's adventures and those who can tell You were meant for each other in all sorts of ways That your love for each other would last for always Here's to the family who love you so much Today is a day for getting in touch To share in your trip down memory lane With its thought of the joy, the sorrow and pain Here's to a marriage full of joy and of laughter We wish you God's blessing in your life ever after.

God Has a Plan - The Lord has a plan for our lives. When we are young we often become anxious about attention from a boyfriend or girlfriend, graduation from high school, what college to attend, wh-at major to choose and many other decisions. In our case, as saved young people in the church reaching the age of dating, we were each praying. Not a prayer of desperation, but a "Lord have your way prayer."
Praying for a Companion - In the church in Atlanta there were not many young people. Some of the saints began to wonder what young Matthew, affectionately known as "Mackey" was going to do. He says confidently, they didn't know what "Mackey" was doing. He was praying. Praying and asking the Lord to send him a godly wife.
Praying Mothers - Almost a thousand miles away, a mother was praying for her daughter: "Lord, please send a consecrated young man for my daughter. A daughter was praying: "Lord, have your way in my life." A mother was praying, "Lord send a companion for my son. A son was praying, "Lord, send the right young lady to be my partner for life."
9Jc. ~ 9U;J, ~ 9roimmJd
._fluw29, 1967

~dy Miriam R. Norwood, age 78, the founding First Lady of Bible Way Ministries and former First
Lady of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC), whose ministry spanned more than 55 years , went home to be with the Lord on Friday October 3, 2014.
Lady Norwood was born on May 11, 1936 to the late Woodrow Richardson and Esther Penn Richardson Utterbach. She grew up in Bronx, NY where she attended Hunter College and later compLeted her undergraduate studies at Spelman College. Lady Norwood worked for years as a classroom teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools. She continued her studies at Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Columbia University, and Interdenominational Theological Center. Reflecting her life-long commitment to learning, she obtained her Master's degree in Christian Counseling from Southwestern Christian University as a seasoned student in her sixties.
After meeting in New York at the Youth Congress, and continuing their courtship by mail, Lady Miriam Norwood was united in Holy Matrimony on June 29, 1957 to her life-long love, Bishop Matthew Norwood. To this union was born Melody, Monte, Mark, Melissa and Marshall. Their love of 57 years is a reflection of romance and God's divine providence.
Lady Norwood accepted the Lord as her personal Savior as a teenager. She was involved in many areas of ministry with her husband , including Sunday School and Worship Leader in the Music Ministry. Lady Norwood also served as Director of Vacation Bible School for many years and impacted the lives of numerous young people. She served as President of the Pentecostal Ministers' Wives Coterie, President of the International Ministers' and Deacons' Wives Guild, Vice-President of Georgia State Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows and a member of the International Association of Ministers' Wives and Widows.
Lady Norwood had a passion for Global Missions and empowering young women all over the world. In recent years, she championed efforts in Sierra Leone, including the launch of the first mobile school to reach students in remote and impoverished areas.

Lady Norwood was revered as a wise mentor and experienced presenter. She and Bishop Norwood often traveled domestically and abroad as they presided over conferences, seminars and revivals. They frequently served as a team, providing perspective and experience in their presentations. They had a special ministry that provided training and counseling for young ministers, their wives and far1filies.
A speaker in her own right, Lady Norwood recognized and acknowledged the call of God on her life and delivered the Word with power and anointing. She was frequently invited to speak for Women's Day, graduations, and couples' ministry events. She strongly believed in teaching women to be good stewards of their finances , as evidenced by her implementing financial workshops at several women's conferences.
Lady Norwood might best be described as a 'quiet storm'. Her 'winds' were impactful, but not overwhelming. When she observed behavior that was not becoming of a-lady or a gentleman, she had a quiet, yet powerful, way of describing, displaying and demanding excellence.
Taking an active role in the community, Lady Norwood served as a member of the Education Committee for The Atlanta Project (TAP). She also devoted numerous volunteer hours as a Rape Crisis Counselor at Grady Memorial Hospital as well as the First Steps Program at South Fulton Hospital, a program supporting teen mothers following the birth of their first child.
Lady Miriam Norwood was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow Richardson and Esther Penn Richardson Utterbach. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved and devoted husband, Dr. Matthew Norwood, five children: Melody, Monte (Robin), Mark, Melissa (Anthony), Marshall (Melvina); brothers Woodrow (Patricia), Douglas; sister Jeannie (Christopher); brother-in-law Sylvester (Ruby); sisters-in-law Dorothy, Blondine, Juanita; grandchildren Kalandra, Karl Jr., Matthew, Malcolm, Karmyn, Nikaule, Alexander, Carrington, Miles, Madison; special adopted son Joseph Dallas; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your ~workmanship is marvelous-and how well/ know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!" Psalm 139:13-16 The Living Bible
Living off of the prayers of the saints!
A God-size assignment requires a willing heart. Even as Mary responded to the message of
the angel when given the news that she would have a child. Luke 1:26-38.
"Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May every-
thing you said come true." And then the angel disappeared. v. 38 vv. 46-55
2:1 9 but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
When the doctor said the big "C" word, I had no fear, no trepidation, and no anxiety. immediately knew that there was more to the diagnosis than what was being said. I knew that I was about to embark upon a venture that would be for God's glory and in the end for my good. God's Perfect Plan.
In January, I began having severe back pain and the female cycle associated with much younger women returned. The back pain was not new; I had suffered with back pain off and on in the past. In the previous year, I sought medical attention through my personal care physician, two chiropractors, three orthopedists and two physical therapists. These services brought only temporary relief. None brought permanent relief from pain or prognosis for cure and relief.
At a family dinner in January 2014, I shared with all at the same time the medical diagnosis. There was stunned silence. I am a healthy, active person, eating well and exercising regularly. If this were going to happen to someone, nobody would be expecting it would happen to me. Well it did, and it has. Now where do we go from here? We pray. We believe God. We believe his Word. We look to the Great Physician who is charge of my life as the scripture above states, along with every aspect of what lies ahead.
In the meeting with the oncologist he carefully explained my options. I could take the treatment he recommended which was chemotherapy and radiation or seek an alternative method of my choice which he could not recommend. His final word on my choice was if I chose an alternative method and the "C" returned, there would be nothing that he could do. No further medical treatment. After consideration with the Lord, my husband and family, we chose chemo and radiation. The treatment protocol was immediately put in place.

I asked the fami ly, especial ly the grans to pray specifically that the Lord will let the treatment do exactly what it was intended to do, that there be no complications, adverse side effects or problems. The Lord is faithful and has answered these prayers. I have not had the symptoms that many experience when going through chemo and radiation such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite and others. I have experienced hair loss (it will grow back I am assured), neuropathy, occasional diarrhea and some fatigue.
I have had the first three chemo treatments that went very well. I have had the final treatment of radiation. After a short break I will have the next session of chemo. I am grateful, truly grateful that God has brought me all the way through on the prayers of the saints. I am not in pain, I have a good appetite, I sleep well.
Living off of the prayers of the saints!
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5: 76)."
"GOD HEALS CAN-CERTAINLY"
The word can-cer is not a death sentence. It is a sentence to show forth the might and power
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Individually, it is to unfold the deeper purpose of God in the life of
any believer who is willing to trust God and take him at his Word. It is for me to experience the Perfect Plan and the deep purpose of God in my life. I receive this. It is a walk of faith. I
have not traveled this way before, nor have I been close to anyone who has traveled this way before.
We will never know where we are in our Faith Walk until we are tested. But--- we don't want to be tested. We want to go along barely giving acceptable service to the Lord and hope that it will satisfy him and our pastoral leadership team. It reminds me of the nursery rhyme:
"Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
I have said to the family, I am not going through this just for myself. This is a test. This is training for the Life that is Driven by God's purpose for every member of our family. Every member. I want you to learn to pray from this experience. You must learn that God hears and answers prayer. You must learn that God speaks. If we will listen, he will speak. You must learn that when we walk with the Lord it does not mean that we will go sailing merrily along. "All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." It will not be the same for each of us. Its duration will vary. We may question why we are having a certain experience. It is alright to question; however, we may not receive an answer and we may not receive the answer we would like to receive. But if we are willing to trust our Father's wise bestowment-in his own time our circumstances will unfold, at least enough for us to accept with graciousness God's will.

God has a plan for me. I don't want to miss what he is doing, where he is taking me and how
he is bringing about His Divine Plan for my life. I am learning what it means to live on the prayers of the saints. I have told the medical personnel serving me that I hav: prayed for them. They are not just serving anyone, they are serving a child of the Most High King. Divine
blessing and prayer flow through me to the needs in their lives. Thank God that his divine power within me enables me to speak into their lives.
"A good man [woman] leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the iust" (Proverbs 73:22).
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering in to possess ....This day I call the heavens and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Deuteronomy 30:7 5, 76, 79, 20 NIV).
And finally my challenge to you is to-shake yourself! Wake yourself!
Get up and be about your Father's business!
Joshua led God's people across the Jordan and instructed them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan. It is to serve as a sign to you. In the future, when your children ask 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them these stones are a memorial to the people of Israel forever. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their parents, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God."' Selected verses Chapter 4
I Peter 2:9-1 0 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Ephesians 2:1 0 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou earnest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet to the nations.

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'' ...Glistens Like Gold!''
Farewell. . .Until We Meet Again
Designer, Deborah Davenport

Elder Jason Brown, Director Minister William C. Dillard, Director
Konson R. Patton, Keyboard Jonathan Curry, Organist Ed Wilder, Organist Willie Heard, Percussionist

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"Thank you" is simply inadequate to express our sincere
gratitude for the numerous prayers, cards, calls, gifts, and thoughtful condolences that were extended to our family
during the illness and passing of our beloved mother, Lady Miriam Richardson Norwood.
A special thank you to Pastor Dr. Cynthia Hale and the staff of the Ray of Hope Christian Church for the use of their sanctuary. We love you and are eternally grateful for your love and support
during this most difficult time.