Amanda D. Norman James was born February 4, 1962 in Plymouth, North Carolina. In 1967, like many other African American families during the Great Migration, Amanda’s family moved to Brooklyn, NY to enjoy a better life.
Though she excelled academically, Amanda was shy growing up, fearful of her frame towering over others. In high school, her mother, Linda, enrolled her in Barbizon modeling classes where she gained excellent posture and a fierce strut. Following Amanda’s graduation from Central Islip High School in Central Islip, New York, she attended Northeastern University for a period of time to pursue her dream of working in television broadcasting. She left university before completing her program, and on June 20, 1989, Amanda and husband Kevin Patterson welcomed their daughter, Marrissa, into the world.
As her daughter, Marissa’s education advanced, Amanda was inspired and motivated to push herself to the next level academically. She returned to school, and received her Associate’s Degree in Computer Systems from ECPI College of Technology in 1999 and went on to study Business Administration at Averett University. Amanda’s servant leadership personality was perfectly suited for working in service of others. For seven years, Amanda worked in the hospitality industry, and she assumed the role of Conference Services Manager at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. She was a valued member of her work community who would reply with, “Better than great!” when asked about her day. Prior to her 18-year hospitality career, Amanda worked in a variety of fields including television broadcasting, banking, cosmetology, and mortgage lending.
Amanda married the love of her life, Thomas James, six months shy of her 50th birthday, often reflecting on how God sent her soulmate. The two met while working at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside, and their relationship was strengthened after Amanda’s first cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
As a result of Amanda’s battle with breast cancer, she became a crusader for others in similar situations by being an advocate for universal health care law reform in the U.S. Additionally, she served faithfully as Coordinator for the Gethsemane Baptist Church Grief Ministry after losing her mother to breast cancer. Amanda worked tirelessly for women’s rights, gun violence prevention, and the rights of African Americans. Her diagnosis never altered her uplifting spirit or selfless nature. Her unwavering faith in God and his healing power is what gave her comfort. She was strong, she was resilient, she was a fighter in every sense of the word. On May 6, 2017, Amanda James was called to her final resting place, released from pain and given renewed strength and peace by our creator to suffer no more.
Left to celebrate her beautiful life, daughter Marrissa Patterson, her husband Thomas James, her father William Norman, brother Rodney Norman – all of The Hampton Roads, Virginia area as well as two nephews, a host of aunts, uncles, dear friends, and loved ones.
Amanda was predeceased by her first husband, Kevin Patterson of Kansas City, MO, mother Linda Norman of Virginia Beach, VA, sister Regina Norman of Long Island, NY, grandparents Thomas Norman Sr. and Lettie Norman of Plymouth, NC; Joe Nathan Watson Sr., and Allie Watson of Roper, NC.
From Amanda’s diary on February 21, 2016: “My final thoughts are to love each other unconditionally and take care of each other. Do the right things and keep God in the front of your minds. Keep the memories of me. Know that I love you all. Because love has no end!”
In the event you would like to make a donation in the honor of Amanda James please visit the following web sites.
1. American Cancer Society - http://main.acsevents.org/ goto/AmandaJamesMemorial
2. Planned Parenthood - http://www.ppaction.org/goto/ AmandaJamesMemorial
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