Mildred M. Norris

Mrs. Mildred (Hunt) Norris was born on June 5, 1941 I Marion, LA to the late Van and Mergie Hunt. Mildred (Mickey) graduated from Marion high School in Marion, LA. Legend has it that her parents sold a cow so she could attend Grambling Stat University in Ruston, LA. After a little time, her cousins Jack and Peat Hunt sent for her to come to Grand Rapids. She was introduced to Ike Norris on a prearranged blind date and they knew after six months of courting that it was real love.  They were married on October 12, 1961. Their union brought two children, Isaac VanKeith and Mona Rena. She worked at Mary Free Bed Hospital before deciding to go to Cosmetology School. Mildred received her license to practice cosmetology in the State of Michigan. She worked at Bea’s Beauty Salon for many years before deciding to open her own beauty shop.  In the early 1970’s Mildred and Ike purchased 1220 Kalamazoo SE and founded Norris Beauty Salon. Mildred spent 50+ years as owner/operator of her own beauty salon.  She rented booth space to several other cosmetologists and Pauline Jackson was a very special stylist who worked alongside her. Mildred enjoyed many years providing her cosmetology services to the Grand Rapids and was to many what we call today, a Life Coach. She served many clients but most of all they were all dear friends whom she valued so much.  Mildred was also a 2014 Giants Award recipient. Mildred and Ike were faithful members of Ture Light Baptist Church for many years. Mildred will be remembered for her love of her family and many friends.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a constant source of joy in her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Isaiah (Ike) Norris. To celebrate her life and legacy, Mildred leaves her loving children, Issac VanKeith (Lisa) Norris and Mona Rena (Joseph) Ross of Grand Rapids, Michigan; five grandchildren, Ivria (Cedric) of Hampton, GA, Marissa and Lianna of Grand Rapids, MI, Mariah of Denver, CO, Isaac V. Norris III of Syracuse, NY; seven great-grandchildren, Markey, Iyanna, Ciara, Miya, Maceo, Maxen and Brooklyn.  She was also blessed to have four additional grandchildren and six additional great-grandchildren that affectionately call her “Granny”. A Celebration of Mildred’s Life will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 at 11 am at True Light Baptist Church, 900 Thomas Ave. SE, Grand Rapids with visitation from 10 am until the time of the service.  Services entrusted to Crystal T. Hardley 616-813-8351.