Jacqulyn Burma Norris

Jacqulyn Burma Bennett-Norris was born on February 9, 1952 in Forth Worth, Texas to mother Hazel Ruth McGee and father Chester Lee Arthur Bennett Sr. (who both preceded her in death) At the tender age of 6 months old she and her mother left the Lonestar State for the Golden State of California to join the rest of their family in San Francisco, CA. There they reunited with her Grandmother, Aunt and siblings. Later at 5 years old her mother Hazel moved the family down to sunny Los Angeles, CA. Although Hazel had five children, their needs were always met and were never wanting for love. Ever the precocious child she asked her mother to sign her up for whatever activity she could afford. Jacqulyn was a Girl Scout in the local Brownie troop, played the clarinet, took fencing and archery classes, and started what became a lifelong passion for drawing, painting and art. After attending local South L.A. grammar and middle schools, she attended George Washington Prepatory High School and had plenty of school spirit as a proud "Generals" student. Jacqulyn was a popular and active member of the student body participating in Art Club, and was an integral art designer for both the drama club and yearbook committee. She was even Homecoming Queen in her senior year. During high school she joined her mother in working Downtown at Bullock's Department store at only 16 years old. Upon graduating Washington HS in 1970 she matriculated to Los Angeles City College (LACC) to major in Art and become a member of the women's tennis team. Upon receiving an Associate's of Arts degree from LACC Jacqulyn began working several data entry jobs in and around Greater L.A. During this time period she found her original church home at First Church of God in Inglewood. It was there that she began her lifetime walk with the Lord. In fact it was at First Church that she married longtime companion Duane Norris in 1978. The happy couple would honeymoon in Hawaii and settle in Carson, CA a suburb just south of L.A. To this union was born a single child, son Dalyn Norris, 32 also of Carson. Jacqulyn began work as a pricing analyst at Ralph's Grocery Company, an occupation she would excel at for 30 years. These years would prove daunting as she experienced loss of cherished loved ones, divorce, and health issues. Through it all, her faith and love of family sustained her beyond belief. Jacqulyn possessed an ability and passion for many things, chief among them was cooking. Through several workshops, courses, and trials she achieved a level of culinary mastery rarely seen. She even ran her own catering company, "Romantic Moods" for a time. She devoted herself 100% to motherhood and was an unorthodox yet stern, free hearted yet strict parent. She and her only child were not only mother and son, but close friends with an everlasting bond. After a lifelong battle with Sickle Cell Anemia Disease, Jacqulyn was released from earthly pain into the bliss of heaven on January 31, 2014. She leaves behind one son, Dalyn Anthony Norris of Carson, CA. Three siblings, Gene Lee Bennett of Vacaville, CA. Chester Lee Bennett Jr. of Oakland, CA. Willis Ann Bennett Nutt (Henry Nutt) also of Oakland, CA. A brother Amon Fredrick Bennett Sr. who preceded her in death and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family in California and Texas. Jacqulyn brightened the lives of all who knew her with a quiet elegance and faithful spirit.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275