Norma Jean McLaurin

Welcome Thy Good and Faithful Servant

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and church servant received her healing and rest with the Lord on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Formally known as Norma Jean Staples, Deaconess Norma Jean McLaurin, affectionately called ‘Jean’, was born on December 25, 1955, to the late Sammie Staples and Willie Sue (Baskin) Laury in Tupelo, Mississippi. Jean was her mother’s Christmas joy, and later became ours every year.

At an early age, our mother’s family moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where Jean became a proud native. She attended Carver Elementary School (Tupelo, Mississippi), Martha Long Street, Jones Elementary, Central Junior High, and graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1973. She was a clarinet player in the Central Junior and Saginaw High bands and one of the best SHS cheerleaders to ever come out of “The High.” She later graduated from Great Lakes Business College with honors and was employed with the City of Saginaw Housing and Building Inspection Division as Administrative Secretary for over 15 years.

Our mother was always an active and faithful church member. She was a member of Greater Williams Temple (COGIC) under the late Bishop H. J. Williams, where she served as secretary, nurse’s guild member, choir member of the Inspirational Voices, Sewing Circle, Young People Willing Workers (YPWW), Celestial Seraphim youth choir parent, and kitchen committee member.

Later, she joined Faith Charity Pentecostal Church under Pastor Ardis L. Thompson, where she remained a devoted member until her passing. As her pastor’s right hand, she served as church secretary, janitor, bookkeeper, usher, praise team member, choir member, hospitality committee member, Sunday School teacher, and more. She also worked diligently on her church’s largest project — the beautiful building where the congregation now worships. Wherever there was a need, she filled it with love and service.

Our mother was also deeply involved in her community. She faithfully served as Financial Secretary of the Saginaw Hollywood Queens and as secretary and committee member for the Saginaw High School Class of 1973 Planning Committee. She was a devoted Girl Scout Troop Leader during her daughters’ youth and a former member of Women of Color. In addition, she served for many years as an Elections Poll Worker for the City of Saginaw, demonstrating her commitment to civic duty and community service.

Our mother was the essence of the Proverbs 31 woman. She had the gift of sewing and alterations, and her culinary skills blessed many. Her sweet potato pies, lemon pies, peanut butter cookies, cheesecakes, chocolate chip coconut bars (a Christmas favorite), potato salad, dressing, baked chicken and rice, popcorn, fish, spaghetti, hot-water cornbread, and pretzel salad were legendary. She was known as the “Cake Cutter” and the “Punch Mixer” at family and church gatherings. She could iron out any wrinkle, make a bed smoother than butter, and leave no garment unwashed. She also lovingly cared for her mother until her passing, faithfully honoring her with the same reward of rest on August 19th.

She loved movies and sports, especially basketball and football, and was a faithful fan of the Michigan State Spartans. Above all, she was a woman of God — knowing the Word, walking in peace, and trusting His grace. She was a peacemaker, a helper, and always ready to lend a hand — whether driving someone to church or assisting with personal needs. She lived independently, joyfully, and without regret — and that was our greatest joy.

Our mother leaves her love and legacy with her children: Natalie Denise Johnson, Annie Christina Carson, and Jeremiah Gordon “Jay” McLaurin. Her precious grandchildren: Nyles Daylan Latimer, Jaiyah Sanaa Taylor, Nia Da’Symone Johnson, and Anthony Lamont “AJ” Carson, Jr. Her siblings: Janice M. Staples, Malcom B. Staples, Maurice B. Staples, and Jacqueline L. (Lorenzo “Joe”) Jacocks. Her step-siblings: Charles, Wardell, and Nate Laury. Her special aunt: Ruther Mae Connors of Dallas, TX. Many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her dear friends: Elise Williams, Paulette Johnson, Louise Simpson, and Omia Smith. Her sisters-in-love: Barbara Brown, Annie Hodges, and Melita Staples. Her entire Faith Charity Pentecostal Church Family.

Our mother was preceded in death by her parents Sammie Staples, Willie Sue Laury, and Nathan Laury, Sr. (stepfather); her siblings Viella Staples-Hooks, Terry T. Staples, and Jerry D. Laury; 10 Laury step-siblings; grandparents Johnny Lee Baskin, Magnolia Sampson, and Ananize Sampson; her aunts Pearlie Phillips, Bessie Bland, and Millie Staples; her uncle Bobby Baskin; and mother-in-love Eva McLaurin.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Fresenius Kidney Care, MyMichigan Medical Center ICU, Select Specialty Hospital of Saginaw, Faith Charity Pentecostal Church, and Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel for their excellent care and support.