minnie nichols norman
1889-1962
Life Story
Minnie Nichols Norman was born on September 10, 1889, in the Altare community of Newton County, Mississippi, to Allen Nichols (1846–1913) and Jervey Nichols (born about 1852). She grew up in a rural farming household where faith, family, and hard work were deeply valued.
By the age of eleven, Minnie was already helping on the family farm while attending school — a balance common among children in early 20th-century Mississippi. These formative years instilled in her the enduring values of diligence, perseverance, and community that would guide her throughout her life.
On February 8, 1906, Minnie married Waddie Norman (1883–1976), beginning a partnership that would last more than five decades. Together they built a home and family in the developing Corinth community of Newton County — a settlement that would later become known for its close-knit families and strong church life.
From this union, the following children were born:
- Elza Norman (1907–?)
- L.C. Norman (1908–1966)
- Girlee Norman (1909–1993)
- Edna Norman (1912–1998)
- Otis Norman (1914–1990)
- John Allen Norman (1916–2005)
- Dolly Norman (1920–?)
- Lola Norman (1920–2010)
- J.T. Norman (1922–1989)
- Bessie Mae Norman (1924–1988)
Minnie and Waddie were among the founding families of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, where they played a central role in establishing the congregation’s foundation of faith and community service. Minnie was remembered as a devoted Christian woman whose faith was steadfast, even as her health declined in later years. She remained a member of Corinth Church throughout her life, maintaining her spiritual commitment even when she could no longer attend services regularly.
At the age of 74, Minnie passed away on June 26, 1962, after a period of failing health. Her funeral was held at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Newton, with Rev. P. Gardner, pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. George Robinson.
She was remembered in her obituary as a devoted wife, mother, and church member — “a dear friend, one who will be missed greatly in the field of Christianity.” Her and her husband’s dedication to raising a “fine family of useful men and women” was a source of pride and respect within the community.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Waddie Norman; daughters, Edna Watts, Girlee Robinson, Bessie Mae Greene, and Lola Thompson; sons, L.C. Norman, John Allen Norman, Otis Norman, and J.T. Norman (address unknown); two sisters, Ada Robinson and Evelene Evans, both of Newton; 25 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Minnie was laid to rest in the Corinth Church Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi, among family and fellow church members whose faith and fellowship shaped the life of the Corinth community.
Resting Place
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- The Newton Record, Minnie Nichols Norman, Wed, Jul 04, 1962 ·Page 7
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