Travis Jr., Travis Sr., Trenais and Charlotte Roberts with their aunt, Ruby Norman.
Rejoicing and cheers filled the air as relatives, church members and friends gathered on September 11 to honor Ruby Norman on her 105th birthday.
Through more than ten decades of living, Norman has maintained her godly spirit, stylish attire and witty conversation.
Norman began her birthday celebration at First AME Church of Los Angeles where she has worshipped for 62 years. The service included a salute to Norman by First Lady Florence Boyd and Marye Barnett of the Women’s Missionary Society.
“Mrs. Ruby Norman is full of joy, full of excitement, she never has a dull moment and she never complains,” said Pastor J. Edgar Boyd. “She likes Popeye’s Fried Chicken, she can eat anything she wants, she’s up and moving and she has instant recollection. She’s just a marvelous woman and an inspiration to us.”
The festivities continued with a party at the home of her nephew, O.D. Threatt, who said that Norman played a significant role after his mother passed away at a young age.
“She’s an out-of-sight aunt and made a big impact on my life. She has no children, but when my mother passed at the age of 34, she became like a mother to me and all of my kids treat her like their grandmother,” noted Threatt.
Norman was born on September 11, 1911 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. After moving to Los Angeles in 1954, she united with First AME, and then located on 8th and Towne Streets. She was active with the Sarah Allen WMS and regularly attended unit, quarterly and area meeting as well as the WMS Annual Conventions. In addition, she served on FAME’s hostess and greeters committees.
A creative and talented woman, Norman designed and sewed her own outfits, usually accented with a custom hat and purse. In her younger years, she was highly admired for her culinary skills, especially her monkey bread and coconut cakes.
“I have known my aunt all of my life and she has been nothing but a pleasure. She made the baptismal dresses for my sister and me, and she made my sister’s wedding gown. She has always encouraged us to do better. For her to reach 105-years-old is just magnificent,” said Charlotte Roberts, Norman’s niece.
