Norma Jean Phillips

Our beloved Norma Jean Hearn Phillips was born on September 25, 1933, in Texarkana,Texas to Dorinda Hearn Johnson. She was an only child, but she was richly blessed to be surrounded by a loving, multigenerational family that included her maternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles. After moving from Texarkana, the family purchased a house in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she was raised.

When Norma was young, her mother married Johnny Johnson, who lovingly raised her as his own daughter. Norma cherished him as her father for the rest of her life.

A gifted musician, Norma’s talent was evident early on. By the age of twelve, she was already serving as pianist for the music department at Greater Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff. One of the highlights of her musical journey was the opportunity to play for the renowned gospel group Clara Ward and The Ward Singers.

Throughout her life, Norma also shared her gift as a piano tutor and teacher, patiently nurturing and inspiring students of all ages.

Norma was also an exceptional student. She graduated from Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Following college, Norma began her professional career as a music teacher at Coleman High School in Pine Bluff. It was there that she met Robert Phillips. On June 7, 1959, Norma and Robert were married at Greater Ward Chapel AME Church, beginning a life united in faith and service.

After marriage, Robert was ordained in the AME Church. They initially served in the Fifth Episcopal District at Ward Chapel AME Church in Los Angeles, where Robert became a valued member of the ministerial staff and Norma actively supported the music department and the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). Soon thereafter, they welcomed their first daughter, Dorinda, and Robert received his first pastoral appointment at Bethel AME Church in Yakima, Washington.

Over more than forty years, Norma and Robert faithfully served congregations across the country. Their ministry included Ebenezer AME Church in Stockton, California, where they celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Norma Jacqueline; Allen Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri; First AME Church in Gary, Indiana; and finally Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, where they left a lasting spiritual and community legacy.

While steadfastly supporting her husband’s ministry, Norma also built an impressive career of her own. In Gary, Indiana, she taught music in the Gary Public Schools while earning a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Northwest. After relocating to Detroit, she continued her calling in education by teaching special education in the Detroit Public Schools, bringing patience, compassion, and dignity to students with diverse learning needs. Alongside her formal teaching, she remained devoted to musicbeducation through private piano instruction in the Detroit community.

Norma’s commitment to service reached beyond the church. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and Church Women United, working tirelessly to uplift communities and advocate for justice and equity.

In 2014, Norma was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a challenge she faced with grace, strength, and quiet courage for more than a decade. On January 29, 2026, after a long and valiant journey, she peacefully transitioned from labor to reward when the Lord called her home.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Dorinda Phillips, Raleigh, NC and Norma Jacqueline Thomas (Louis), Baton Rouge, LA; her grandchildren, Robert Tidwell (Kristin),Houston, TX, Rose Danthon, Raleigh, NC, Solomon Danthon, New York City, NY, and Iris Thomas, Baton Rouge, LA; her great-grandchildren, Christopher James and Chase Cooper Tidwell, Houston, TX; her niece Kim Dawson, Belleville, IL; her caregivers, Yolanda and Latisha Ransom, Baton Rouge, LA; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Her life was a testament to faith, music, education, service, and love—and her legacy will continue to resonate for generations. 

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