Mr. Kennedy "Ken" Norris

Celebration Of Life, Kennedy "Ken" Norris: Kennedy Norris, most favorably known as Ken, was born April 6, 1945 in Selma, Alabama to Algee and Sylvester Norris who preceded him in death. At an early age, the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where Ken attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northern High School. After graduating from high school, he met Gwendolyn Worthy. They were united in marriage in 1967. To this union two daughters, Kenya and Katrice, were born. Ken began working for Ford Motor Company to support his family. After a lay off from Ford, Ken wanted to pursue his carpentry skills and took on odd jobs here and there. Ken had an extraordinary gift with his hands as a Craftsman. He loved building things out of wood. Ken went to work for Doorcraft as a Carpenter. Ken enjoyed going to work every day doing the things he loved to do. Family and friends would always call on Ken to make them a cabinet, dresser, toy boxes or any type of wood container. He never said no. When Doorcraft closed their doors, Ken had to find another place of employment to fulfill his passion. He soon found that perfect job working for the City of Detroit. During his tenure, he showcased his unique gift of making things the city so desperately needed. The City of Detroit recognized his talents and moved him to their wood shop, where he made most of the city’s special requests. Ken worked for the City of Detroit for 19 years until his medical retirement. Refusing to retire, Ken continued to work on his own, building and fixing where ever there was a need. Ken loved the “D” and hanging with the boys on Dexter. He took up a new hobby and began bowling with two of his closest friends, Tony and UmKonto. He looked forward to bowling nights and the friendly or not so friendly competition. Ken always said he was the best bowler out of the three. If he lost the bowling game, he would say he let them win because he didn’t want to put too much strain on his back. Ken’s medical condition began to be too much to handle on his own. He reluctantly relocated to California to be closer to his daughters. Ken liked being in California with his daughters but he loved the “D”, the only place he called home. California was good for Ken and his overall health. He was able to hang out at the beaches all year round, visit Las Vegas frequently, attended several family outings, basketball games, ballet recitals, where he met and hung out with Norm Nixon, former Los Angeles Laker player, witness the Endeavor Space Shuttle and spent quality time with his daughters and their families. Despite the considerable amount of pain, he was determined to surprise his mom for her 90th birthday. He was so happy to be around his family and friends in Detroit, he had already begun planning his next trip back in June when all of the snow and coldness would be gone. He truly enjoyed the California sunshine. Ken’s illness began to get the best of him. Before his transition, Ken was surrounded by his daughters and their families in great spirits. He was laughing and singing. Ken was at peace. The song he sang to his family was "I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone." Ken was called home Tuesday May 5, 2015.

Mr. Kennedy "Ken" Norris

April 6, 1945 - May 5, 2015