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NORVELLA LEE SINGER-SIMPSON, affectionately known as “Vella,” was born in Crockett, Texas to the parentage of Wilbert and Juanita Maude Esther Fletcher Bassett on June 22, 1941. Her formative years were spent in Galveston. Her early church life began at Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church, but she later moved her membership to West Point Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She returned to her Methodist roots having joined Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). Her final church home was Reedy Chapel AMEC where she served until her health no longer allowed her to attend. She was educated in the Galveston Independent School District having attended Carver Elementary, Booker T. Washington Intermediate, and graduated a proud “Bearcat” from Central High School in the Class of 1959. Vella married Clarence Singer, who preceded her in death in the early 1970s. She later married C. D. Simpson, who also preceded her in death. Vella worked in various capacities throughout her life. Her work ethic was impeccable. She retired in 2008 after many years as a distinguished cosmetologist and owning her own business, The Aggressive Beauty and Barber Salon. Vella was everybody’s “MAMA.” This was evidenced by the simple title that most bestowed upon her. She was caring, nurturing, and never short of advice, yours to accept or reject. God was always first in her life. Her faith never wavered. Up to the point of her death, she praised God, continuously thanking Him for everything. Vella was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Marc F. Laws, Sr.; grandson, Rodney Roshaun Hill; and devoted cousin, Reverend James Battieste. Vella leaves precious memories with her children, Nathaniel Wilbert Bassett, Esther Anita Laws, and Norman Thomas Singer; daughter-in-love, Angela R. Hill; adopted daughter, Kimberly Murphy; sister, Celina Edwards (Theodore); cousin, Deborah Hatter; twin, John M. Cooks; grandchildren, Marc F. Laws II and Reneisha D. Hill; godbrother, Gene Henderson; goddaughter, Norma Hayes; special friends, Sally Goldston, Jeanette Irvin, Jann B. Compton, Marlene R. Spiller, Donna Warren, Delores Florence, and Ave L neighbors; West Point, Shiloh, and Reedy church families; and a host of other relatives and friends

Tributes

Norvella L. Simpson

June 22, 1941 - January 23, 2023