Shellie P. Norton

Shellie Pearl Norton, fondly known as “Shirley”, was born on November 10, 1942, in Monticello, Florida to the late William (Doris) Tillman and Geraldine (Reginald, Sr.) Clark. She was grounded in her faith and immersed in the church. Shellie accepted the Lord in her life at an early age. Shellie was a student in the Monticello School District where she excelled academically, graduated early from high school, and received a scholarship for higher education.

She married her childhood sweetheart, King Emanuel Norton July 22, 1961, and relocated to Detroit, Michigan shortly after. The couple was blessed with a large and loving family. To this union, she raised seven children with patience, discipline, and humility. Her kids included five sons, Stanley, Emanuel, Jr. (Linda), Gregory, Vincent, and Maurice (Crystal), two daughters, Letitia (J.L.) Skelton and Veronica (Quincy) Horn.

At heart, she was a caregiver and worked in the medical field as a healthcare aid for several years. Shellie had a vigor for life, she loved fashion and following current events. Among friends, she was highly regarded for her sense of style, witty humor, and blunt honesty. Each day, she made time to check in with loved ones and share entertaining stories.

In recent years, she experienced several health challenges but stayed steadfast in her strong trust in God. Shellie went peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 28, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, King E. Norton, father, William Tillman, mother, Geraldine Clark, Step-Father, Reginald Clark, Sr. and Step-Mother, Doris Tillman.

Shellie leaves to mourn her seven loving children, a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Four brothers, Reginald Clark, Jr. (Rubenstein), Ronald Clark (Diana), Kevins Clark (Mable), and William Henderson. Six sisters, Zedra Thomas (the late Russell Thomas), Kate (James) Brown, Joyce (Francios) Frank, Elizabeth (Leon) Whetsel, Gail (Sylvester) Jones, and Kecia Hawkins. One brother-in-law, John Norton, and one sister-in-law, Ella Mae Brown. She was cared for by her loving nieces, Angela Norton and Jacqueline Norton-Hicks, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.