Norris Gene Brazelton

Norris Gene Brazelton known as “Gene” peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 with his family by his side.  Norris was the first son born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and Josephine Brazelton on December 17, 1935 in the quaint town of Dekalb, Texas.

Norris, affectionately known as “Gene,” enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following his graduation from South Haven High School in 1955. He served four years and received an honorable discharge in 1959. After his return from the U.S. Navy, he married Annette Mills.  To this union three children were born, Brian, Bradford and Kimberly.  He is blessed to have another daughter, near to his heart named Joy Normand.

Upon his return from the service, he worked at Everett Piano Company for many years. Gene had a multiplicity of talents.  One of his special gifts was his natural athleticism.  He was an all-around athlete, mastering every sport in which he participated. With this talent coupled with his heart for young people, he organized a local community multicultural baseball team, “The Orioles.”  Through his patience and amazing coaching skills, he led this team to many victories.  Compelled to positively influence African American male youth of the local community, he created and coached the “Young Lions” to the regional little League World series.  To this day, the indelible impression he left on these young men have influenced them not only in the area of athletics but to be productive young men as he was the father figure many longed for but never had.  He was also a gifted writer and spent many days and hours crafting poetry and essays that related to life, equality and politics. He went to extreme measures attempting to have his writing published. Another significant life event was his decision to join Lily of the Valley Church where he enjoyed bible study and the fellowship of the local parishioners.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Josephine Brazelton and his grandson, Dominik Brazelton-Dawson and god son Preston Gene Cunningham.

 He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Joy (Mark) Normand of Sacramento, CA; Brian Brazelton and Bradford (Patricia) Brazelton of Kalamazoo, MI; Kimberly (William) Brazelton-Gamble of South Haven, MI.  His grandchildren: Tiffany Brazelton of Detroit, MI; Latoy (Mikhail) Hoskins, Jarmal Mason and King Tunson all of Sacramento, CA; Brian Brown of Kalamazoo, MI; Erica Brazelton of South Haven, MI; Ja’Bari Brazelton of Dowagiac, MI; Lajoy Mueller of Muskegon, MI; William Gamble Jr. and Morris Gamble of Long Beach, CA. and eleven great grandchildren. His brother and best friend, Norman (Velma) Brazelton of Country Club Hills, IL; His sister: Evelyn Brazelton-Bettis of South Haven, MI and host of nieces, nephews, additional family and dear friends. Special mention is given to his extended family, Dorothy Sherrod, Tony Allen and Curtis Sherrod; extended daughters Michelle Williams, Dawn Stephens and Ursula Brown and extended sons, Johnny and Rodney Lewis, Keith Owens, Andre Madry and Anthony Lloyd.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Lily of the Valley Church in Covert, Michigan with Bishop Darryl Williams officiating. Norris Gene will be laid to rest at Fort Custer Army Base in Augusta, MI with special honor.