Norma Rejene Governor, born November 22, 1960 in Cocoa Beach, FL, was the oldest child of Frances Ella Taylor. Born a southern girl at heart, with a pair of long legs, a wide smile, and a generous soul packed full with empathy for her family and community. She played a significant role in nurturing her younger siblings, always willing to share her knowledge and passion for our African heritage. In the Florida sun, she grew tallest of her siblings and seemed destined for the fashion runway. Yet, Norma used her talent to turn a Black girl’s hair into a work of art, into a lucrative career which she received numerous awards and media attention, while living in Baltimore, MD.
In the 80’s she met Clyde Woods; a man with a similar aesthetic to her own. They fell in love. Their union produce one son, Malik Kwesi Odel Woods. Unfortunately, their love for each other couldn’t keep their family together. She divorced but remained in the Baltimore area. Later, she met business owner Kwesi Morrison. Their union produced her second son, Nkosi Nairnke Abrompa Morrison. Still feeling the loss from the lost connection with her oldest son Malik, Norma finally left Baltimore to be closer to her sisters and other family members to help give her the support she needed in raising Nkosi as a single mother. Even with Nkosi, losing Malik was the one big loss in her life that she was never able to fully recover.


After Norma returned to her Southern roots, she continued with her community involvement. Norma joined Simon Temple A.M.E. Church and became an active member and shared the Gospel of Jesus Chris. However, she did give up hair braiding and made the brave choice to return to college. There she chose a career path that suited her compassion and love for her fellow man. Norma graduated the top of her class at Fayetteville State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2007. She worked as a nurse, providing excellent care and love for her patients. Norma was even blessed with the opportunity to be at her mother’s bedside when she departed earth in January 2014. She continued working as a nurse until herself was called home by Jesus, April 18, 2019.


Norma was a sweet sensitive soul, fueled by the passion of her convictions. If you found yourself her opponent, you might face a vigorous defense; but you would never confuse her actions as anything but love. She will truly be missed. Norma is survived by: sons, Malik and Nkosi; her sister, Bridget McBryde; nephews, Omari and Isaiah; niece, Tunisia; brother, Norman Governor Jr.; niece, Diona; brother, Glancy Edwards; nieces, Tanisha, Kynadi, Taylor, Gabrielle, Makayla, Aaliyah, and Hope; nephew, Micah; sister, Heidi Garza; niece, Bridget; and nephews Christian and Amari; girlfriends, Brenda, Dena, Kenyatta, and Cheryl; and a host of cousins, coworkers, and patients.