Norma Gulley Jones

Norma Gulley Jones was born on October 2, 1941, in Greenville, Alabama to Donald M. Gulley and Ruth Mae Peters Gulley. Norma was the third of their four children and left Greenville at age 16 to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Norma also lived in Philadelphia, PA, where she earned a certificate in x-ray technology, then joined her aunt, uncle, cousin, and two older siblings in Detroit. On April 24,1965 she married her sweetheart Paul Jones. Norma and Paul were introduced by Paul’s cousin who was also a student at Fisk, and they stayed in touch until Norma moved to Detroit several years later. Norma and Paul welcomed their son Brian while living in Detroit and their daughter Meredith when they moved to Cleveland for a brief period. Eventually the family settled in Battle Creek, MI, where Norma worked for Battle Creek Public Schools. She held many roles over her 20 year tenure including school librarian, special education assistant, and her favorite role of reading specialist. Norma was known for her patient and loving ability to teach children to read. Her grandchildren would often say “it’s time to go to Grammy School!” where she taught them phonics and cursive handwriting. Norma was also the head cheerleading coach at Battle Creek Central High School for 12 years, and she enjoyed being with “her girls” at cheerleading camp, football games, and especially basketball games. In 1999 Paul and Norma retired, moved back to the Detroit area and joined Hope United Methodist Church. Norma served in the Nurturer’s Ministry and is a Member Emeritus of the Comfort Giver’s Ministry. Norma was an amazing cook, but baking was her specialty. At Christmastime family would always ask, “When is Aunt Norma baking cookies?” Family and friends also remember her love of good music, particularly The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, and her beloved Fisk Jubilee Singers. Norma joined the chorus of ancestors on January 18, 2025. Norma leaves a host of family and friends to cherish her memory including her husband of nearly 60 years, Paul Jones; son Brian and daughter Meredith; grandchildren Johnna, Kaya, and Justin; great-grandchildren Dehlani and De’Cairo; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who shared many fun times with her and will miss her dearly. Norma was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Ruth Gulley, and siblings Donald Gulley Jr., Dorothy Gulley Greene, and Linda Gulley Crittenden. Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 4-7:00 p.m. at Kemp Funeral Home, 24585 Evergreen Road, Southfield MI. A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Hope United Methodist Church- 10:00 a.m. family hour, 11:00 a.m. service. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood Street, Detroit. Flowers may be sent to Kemp Funeral Home, and donations can be made in Norma’s name to Fisk University.

Norma Gulley Jones

October 2, 1941 - January 18, 2025