Norma Jean Sousa

Norma Jean Sousa was born July 29, 1931 in Cleveland Ohio to Ida and Harold McCree. She was the eldest girl of six children, all of whom preceded her in death. She accepted God as her personal savior early in life and was baptized by Reverend Cochran at the Church of God, Ohio Norma graduated from Central high school. She married at a young age to Robert S. Peterson and bore three children - Robert II, Norma (now Najiyyah), and Ricardo Peterson In 1959, Norma met Wilber Williams and together they had a son, Dawyne L. Williams. After a few years, they parted as friends. In 1961, Norma met and married John Sousa. She told him that her three Kings and Queen (her children) came first in her life. He agreed & quickly grew to love and care for them as deeply as she did. Norma's dream was to live and raise her children in California, so they relocated to Sacramento. John Sousa eventually fell ill and she cared for him until he passed in 1977. Norma worked in retail sales for 20 years but retired after her husband's death. Norma was active in the Black Caucus and involved in volunteer work for many organizations. She also became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. In 1996 Norma moved to Las Vegas Nevada, where she continued volunteer work for PBS channel 10, serving the homeless and caring for those in need. Norma loved to travel and was a globetrotter throughout her life. She traveled extensively with her children, and each Mother's day, along with her daughter and grandchildren enjoyed a family vacation or cruise. Norma is survived by three children - Robert II, Najiyyah and Dawyne, six grandchildren - Adreinne, Robert III, Tara, April, Dawyne II and Maisha, eight great grandchildren - Kasani, Hasani, Mekhi, Monique, Chase, Kwali, Suriyyah and Tyger, nieces & nephews Deneen, Tonya , Kenneth, Benny, Emillian, cousins William, Wayne, Paula and Sarah, Lisa, Janice & Stephanie. She also leaves behind many dear friends. Norma was a dynamic and fabulous woman with incredible style and class, who enjoyed life to the fullest. One of her favorite tunes was Frank Sinatra's "I did it my way", and she certainly did Friends are invited to attend the Wake on Wednesday, August 26 at 10am and a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11am, both services will be held at St. Paul Baptist Church, 3996 14th Ave., Sacramento. Burial will follow at Sylvan Cemetery.