Mrs. Norma Jean Richardson, age 75, of Chapel Hill, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, March 13, 2023, at her residence.

OBITUARY

Norma Jean Goins Richardson was the daughter of the late Armentious Goins and Emmie Jean Totten Goins. Norma was born in Greensboro, NC on October 9, 1947.  She departed this life in her home on Monday, March 13, 2023

Norma was a 1965 graduate of Dudley High School, Greensboro, NC; a 1969 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC; and received her Masters of Social Work degree in 1971 from George Williams College, Downers Grove, Illinois.  Norma retired as a Social Worker in Martin County in 2012. Previously held social Work positions included- Methodist Home for Children as a Clinical Supervisor/Family Preservation Specialist; John Umstead Hospital, Butner, NC as a Social Worker II; North Carolina Memorial Hospital as a Clinical Social Worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Norma held memberships in several professional Social Work organizations including the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW); North Carolina Clinical Social Workers (LCSW); the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW). She was also a certified Addiction Counselor. Norma also participated in numerous Social Work workshops and conferences.

While a student at North Carolina A&T University, Norma was a civil rights activist and was arrested as a protestor.

Prior to meeting her husband, Alfred, Norma served in the Ministry of the Lord Jesus House Of Prayer in Oxford, NC, and traveled extensively with Pastor Rupert L. Dudley as an Evangelist.

Alfred Richardson and Norma Goins united in Holy Matrimony on April 10, 1990.

Alfred and Norma founded New Beginnings Ministry in July 1991. They ministered in five North Carolina prison units and local nursing homes. In 1994 they started a Bible Study in their home and established a Church. In May of 1995, the Church was incorporated and established as a non-profit organization. Church service was moved to Bynum, North Carolina in September 1996.  In May 1997, the second New Beginnings Church and Ministry was established in Hollister, N.C. At New Beginnings, Norma organized Sisters Standing Together, a ministry for women. Norma was invited to ministry at various Churches and conferences and she also hosted conferences under this ministry.

Norma received a Certificate of Ordination in 1990 from Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Messiah, and Lord Endtime Church, Durham, NC.  Norma and Alfred were ordained on October 19, 1991, by Faith Tabernacle Oasis Of Love International Church Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, Pastors Robert, and Ila McMillan. On November 9, 2002, Norma and Alfred were licensed by Abundant Life Ministries, Sanford, NC under the leadership of Reverends William and Helen Gorham.

After Alfred and Norma closed their physical Church, New Beginnings, they continued the ministry. During this time they ministered in prisons and nursing homes. They also assisted several Churches/Ministries including Abundant Life Ministries; God Cannot Lie, Durham N.C. under the late Apostle Walter McLaurin, and others. They currently fellowship with Abundant Life Faith Ministry in Chapel Hill under the leadership of Pastor Maythel Thompson Clemons.

Norma loved people and always tried to be a blessing to not only her family but to others whose paths she crossed.

In addition to her parents, Norma was predeceased by her brother, Armetrius.

Norma is survived by her devoted husband and Caregiver, Pastor Alfred Richardson of the home;  brother, Ardrian Goins (Niesha) of Greensboro, NC; Stepson, Alfred, Jr. (Chantel) of Mcleansville, NC;  grandchildren, Aniyah Janae, Jaden Darrell, and Ava Denise Richardson; Nieces and nephews Kumar, Nadia, Vatage, Akeala. surviving in-laws are Magnolia Richardson (Arnold); Maybelle Richardson (Prince); Pastor Mamie McWilliams; Charlie Richardson; James B. Richardson (Alize); Gene A. Richardson; George Richardson (Barbara); Emma Richardson.

In addition, there are a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and close friends.

One of Norma’s favorite passages of scripture:

Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

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