Ida Mae Washington-Norman

Ida Mae Washington-Norman, a lifelong resident of Marion County was born January 4, 1956, to the late Theresa Gibson Washington and Simon Washington. She was affectionately known as “Ida Mae” by all her family and friends. As a child Ida gave her life to the Lord and was a devoted member of Ebenezer AME church (Zuber, FL).

Ida enjoyed a deep and special connection with the Fessenden community where she attended school until 1970 whenintegration caused her to transfer to North Marion High School, graduating in 1974. She then attended Florida A&M University until 1976. Ida retired from the Marion County School system after 24 years of service.

Ida’s time of love was shared with her marriage to Earnest “Jeff” Norman who preceded her in death. They enjoyed many years quenching the thirst of the children and adults in the community with their snow cone business every summer. Ida enjoyed family gatherings, being an active member of the class of “74” as the treasurer. Ida was a member of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida; she enjoyed being in the community with the group and being an advocate. Ida loved good music, dancing and spending time with her family and friends. She was a renowned seamstress, sewing anything from blankets to wedding dresses. She was an active member of East Lake First Baptist Church (Ocklawaha, FL) under the leadership of Pastor Howard Gunn, and at the time of her death under the leadership of Pastor Richard Edwards.

Ida transitioned from this life on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, to join her heavenly family who preceded her: Mother Theresa Washington, Father Simon Washington, husband Earnest Norman, brother Joseph Girard, Sr, sister Mary Hopkins, niece Tamara Girard and nephew Walter James Cook II.

Ida leaves to cherish her memories her son Rodney”Bub” Sears, Ocala, FL; daughters Rechell “Drecia” (Derek) Sears-Hicks, Charlottesville, VA, Rodnitra “Rissey” Littles and LaShawn (Clifford) Norman-Yeboah, Ocala, FL; grandchildren NaSkyah, Flint, MI, Miyah, Isaiah, Savion, SaJourney, Saudia and Majesty Ocala, FL; sisters Sydney Londyn (Rose), Ft Lauderdale, FL and Grace Huffman, Ocala, FL; sisters-in-law Mae West Girard, Brandon, FL, Brenda (Willie, Sr) Jones, Ocala, FL and Bernadette (Garth) Harding, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Godson Yahmar Thompson, Ocala, FL and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

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