Mildred "Millie" Norman

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING Mildred’s Journey From Earth to Heaven spanned eighty-five years… A Time To Be Born: On March 11, 1939 in Oxford, Mississippi, Mildred Kimmons was born to proud parents Linnie Mae Kimmons and Wallace Gordon. She was the youngest of six children. To all she became known as “Puddin.” A Time To Achieve As A Youth: Mildred graduated from Oxford Training School where she sang in the choir, participated in numerous beauty pageants and clubs, such as Tri-Hi-Y and NHA (New Homemakers of America). Her high school years were filled with lots of singing, working, studying and “dreaming.” As a part of the “dreaming” her ultimate goal was to get out of the south to “breathe freely.” A Time To Serve: Surrendering her life to Christ at an early age, Mildred was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Oxford, participating in many activities including the choir. Her melodious voice brought joy to the congregation. Continuing her spiritual journey, Mildred united with the Second Baptist Church in Greek Town downtown Detroit, Michigan. There, she was a member of the Chancel Choir and also sang with a group of ladies who shared their singing ministry at local churches and various private affairs. A Time To Pursue A Dream: In pursuit of her “dream” to get out of the south, Mildred’s Aunt Willie Kimmons facilitated her relocation from Oxford to Detroit, Michigan after high school graduation. “Aunt Will” as she was affectionately known, became her “Guardian Angel.” Initially she resided with her paternal uncle Webster (Bro) Gordon and his wife Macie. A Time To Achieve As An Adult: She attended and graduated from Lewis Business College in Detroit and later obtained a position of Clerical Specialist with a major law firm. She supplemented this employment by also working at a physician’s office. During this time she met lifelong friends, Alice and Sandy. She also became known as “Millie.” In 1963 she joined General Motors Corporation as one of the first African American salaried employees, initially serving as an Administrative Assistant. In this position she paved the way for young African Americans to obtain summer jobs and internships. She also served in positions in the Employment Office and Research and Filing Systems. Continuing with her achievements, an article in Jet and Ebony magazines caught her attention. It was a solicitation for African Americans to consider becoming McDonald operators. She wrote a letter to then CEO, Ray Croc, expressing interest and as a result of her bold initiative, she and her husband were offered the opportunity to become a franchisee. They proudly accepted the offer and opened the first restaurant on the west side of Detroit. They subsequently operated McDonalds in various parts of the city with the final location being in Flint, Michigan. A Time To Love: Mildred was united in Holy Matrimony to Clayton Lee Norman on June 12, 1965. No children were born to this union, however, she warmly embraced Cheryl Wilder Norman as her stepdaughter. A Time To Enjoy Life: Their McDonald franchise opened the doors to worldwide travel opportunities to different cities and countries for the fabulous McDonald conventions. They were very active in the social and political framework of Detroit, supporting numerous African American candidates and attending associated affairs. Mildred immensely enjoyed attending her high school class reunions and the Kimmons/Murphy Family Reunions that were held in various cities across the country. A Time For Reunification: On December 28, 2024 at 3:10 pm, Mildred transitioned peacefully at Kingston Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio. She was reunited with her parents, Linnie Mae Kimmons and Wallace Gordon; siblings, Lucille Maynard, Louise Gayles, Ressie Miller, Dorothy Taylor and Joe W. Kimmons, Sr.; her Guardian Angel, aunt Willie Kimmons and a host of other relatives and friends who welcomed her home. A Time To Cherish Her Precious Memories: She will forever be cherished in the hearts of her husband, Clayton L. Norman; nieces and caregivers, Linnie (Rev. James H. Sr.) Willis and Mary Liggins; stepdaughter, Cheryl Wilder Norman; nephews, Joe W. Kimmons, Jr. (Joey) and Michael (Tamara S.) Kimmons; great niece, Dr. Vontyna S. (Dr. Allen T.) Smith and Zakkekia Liggins; great nephews, Edward C. (Morgan) Gordon, Shelby T. Willis, Sr., and James H. Jr. (Robin) Willis; special niece, Mary (Darryl) Reed; sister-in-law, Brenda (James) Weatherall; loving cousins, Agnes Parker, Prinder (Mearlin) Mitchell, Ollie Mae Mitchell and Dorothy Tarver; nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews from the Norman lineage; dear friends, Maria Reynolds and Janie Forney; and numerous other loving relatives from the Kimmons, Murphy and Norman families and lifelong friends.

Mildred "Millie" Norman

March 11, 1939 - December 28, 2024