Vivian Delores May Norwood, 78 of Charlotte, departed this life on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Legacy Heights.  She was named after her paternal grandmother, was born on August 26, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to her biological parents Norman Walter May, Sr., and Bertha Haynes May.

Vivian was raised -- along with three of her biological siblings, Norman Walter May Jr., Robert May, and Leslie John May – by their foster parents. In her early years, she found confidence and peace in knowing that God was her heavenly Father. She was a fun, active and artistic child. Her childhood days were filled with playing with friends, laughing, defending her older brothers in the neighborhood, when needed, and teaching herself piano.

She was educated in the St. Louis public school system and graduated from Sumner High School. Her foster parents saw her potential and offered to pay for her advanced education. Knowing her family did not have a lot of means, she elected not to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, but instead attended the acclaimed Homer G. Phillips Hospital School of Nursing where she completed her degree in nursing.

In addition to being a Registered Nurse for several decades for various hospitals, General Electric and Slater Steel, Vivian enjoyed the arts, was active in her communities and enjoyed leading the music ministry at Light House Deliverance Church (formerly known as Calvary Church) in Ft. Wayne, IN. Also, she was an active member of Central Church of God of Charlotte, NC, for the last 17 years. She loved her three sons deeply and was overjoyed by her six grandchildren. She was a devoted friend to many, a loving sister to her 12 siblings and an adoring aunt to her numerous nieces and nephews.

Vivian beautifully and peacefully went home to the Lord at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2022, with her eldest son at her side. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bertha Haynes May; father, Norman May, Sr.; by 10 siblings: Oscar Johnson, Arvelle Haynes, Bertha Johnson, Robert May, Maceo May, Marco May, Lionel May, William May, Bruce May and Leslie May and by her son, Jason T. Norwood. Vivian leaves to cherish her memory: her two sons, Anthony R. Norwood (Yvette Mendez-Norwood) and Paul E. Norwood II; six grandchildren, Amaris Norwood, Sylvia Wilson, Arden Norwood, Aliza Norwood, Jason Norwood and Paul Norwood III; two beloved brothers, Norman May, Jr. of St. Louis, MO and John May of Oahu, HI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In Lieu of Flowers

Donations can be made to:

Foster Care to Success https://www.fc2success.org/

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