Norma Belle Davis

Norma Belle Davis, a devoted mother, sister, educator, and community leader, was born November 14, 1943, to Paul and Focella Brown in Trinity, Texas. She was one of three children. Her mother was a teacher and her father was a Principal who also worked part-time at a sawmill. After the untimely death of her father, Norma’s family moved to Houston, Texas where she attended Kashmere High School and later, Texas Southern University graduating with her B.S. in Chemistry and Math. Her mother instilled in her the importance of faith, education and music.

Norma’s early years were rooted in family solidarity and she would carry these values throughout her life. She married Anthony DeWayne Davis in a Chicago romance that moved quickly toward a shared future. The couple lived in Houston, Texas, where they welcomed two daughters, Lisa and Tanya, identical twins who filled their home with energy and love. Norma and the family faced an unspeakable tragedy when Tanya died at the age of two, a heartbreak that would deepen Norma’s resolve. Soon after, the family moved to Oakland, California, where Norma and DeWayne welcomed their son, Anthony. Norma and DeWayne’s marriage spanned 23 years, and Norma stood by him with care and devotion as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.

Norma thrived in Oakland. There, she furthered her education at Holy Names College, earning an M.A. in Education, and later took intensive instruction in Spanish at the Institute of Language and Culture in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Norma was an accomplished educator and a respected leader in her community. Her professional life shows a commitment to high-quality teaching, school leadership, and the kind of research-driven practice that improved outcomes for all students—especially low-achieving students in mathematics. She held credentials across elementary and secondary education, along with administrative and supervisory credentials, ultimately retiring as a principal just like her father.

Norma’s work extended beyond the classroom where she mentored teachers and championed student success. She served as the Berkeley Chapter President of her college sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, where she mentored young women, supported scholarships, and organized service and educational initiatives. Her Delta Sigma Theta work reflected a lifelong commitment to empowerment, education, and service.

While in Oakland, in addition to being a brown belt and a bridge player, Norma became an avid tennis player and was an absolute legend on the tennis court, playing in hundreds of tournaments and winning almost as many trophies. She was a competitive player, often playing in the 50 and over age group for the United States Tennis Association. While preferring her tennis athletic wear, she could seamlessly switch it up to accompany DeWayne to the occasional black-tie affair. Her beauty and grace were undeniable – on and off the dance floor. As she got older, she often donned holiday themed clothing that could make you chuckle. A family favorite was a parachuting lighted Santa baseball cap with matching ornament earrings. She gladly traded in her dancing shoes for the walking shoes needed for the many dogs she cared for and loved over the years. She was a dog lover through and through and owned six dogs over the course of her life.

At age 48, Norma was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and was given two weeks to live, yet she defied the prognosis and lived another 33 years with no reoccurrences; sustained by faith, discipline, and the strong support network she had in her mother, sister, and two adult children. Following surgery and treatment, she embraced a regimen of nutrition and exercise, including a period of green juicing. She often testified that only God could have healed her.

Norma later met and married her second husband, Charles Hanks, and the two retired in Georgetown, Texas. She continued to be a tennis enthusiast, even building a clay tennis court in her backyard. Norma’s love of music also enriched her life; she was a skilled pianist, and Moonlight Sonata, Clair de Lune and Malaguena remained some of her favorite pieces to play. Norma joined Wellspring United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, participated in the Bell Choir and enjoyed many Church activities including setting up detailed Black History Month displays with her sister.

Norma’s bond with family remained strong across the years. Her sister Carol moved in with her and the two remained close, even moving into the Wesleyan at the same time when care was needed.

Norma’s everyday generosity, warmth, and determination inspired all who knew her. Norma passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 81. Her legacy continues in the countless students she taught, the teachers she mentored, her family, and the hopeful example she set for future generations.

Norma is survived by her children, Lisa and Anthony, her daughter in law, Minal, and her devoted sister, Carol. She was predeceased by her infant daughter Tanya, her first husband, Anthony DeWayne Davis, her brother Paul, and her second husband, Charles Hanks.

The family thanks everyone for their love, support, and prayers during this time. A special thanks to the many caretakers and aides that helped ease her transition toward the end of her life.

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