Lester M. Norvell Sr.

Mr. Lester M. Norvell, 76, departed this life at 3:15pm, on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Franciscan Health Center of Michigan City.

Celebration of Life will take place at noon on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jacarra Williams to give the eulogy. Burial will follow in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Viewing will be 10:00am-12:00noon at the church. Facial masks are requested to be worn.

Lester M. Norvell Sr., was born August 3, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Augusta Burks and Artelia Norvell nee Jackson.

He began his education in the Chicago Public Schools, until he moved to Michigan City.  He was a proud graduate of Elston Red Devils Class of 1963. While at Elston, he was very good athlete and a member of the basketball team and track and field. He then continued his education at Davenport College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he also played basketball and was one of the team’s leading scorers.

Lester met the love of his life, Evonne Marie Stephens. They were married on January 18, 1992 and raised three children. She preceded him in death on April 2, 2006. 

He was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Stanley Mason.  He later moved his membership to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, under Pastor Jacarra Williams.

Lester enjoyed shopping, especially for shoes. He was an avid fan of Chicago sport’s teams, and college basketball as a whole. In his past times you would catch him listening to his Blues and Old School music.

On March 17, 1992, Lester retired from the Michigan City Police Department, as a patrolman and detective. After a brief stint at home, he began working again at Porter County PACT; retiring again in 2014. He worked 10 more years for LaPorte County Community Corrections before permanently retiring. He was a community activist, serving on several boards: The Michigan City Commission on the Social Status of African American Males, Michigan City Housing Authority Board of Directors and The LaPorte County Community Corrections Advisory Board.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three children, Alita (Bobby) Sanders, Lithonia, Georgia, Lester M. (Nicole) Norvell Jr., Fishers, Indiana and Lincoln (Terra) Norvell, Loganville, Georgia; two sisters, Helen Spicer and Wilma (Elder Steve) Wilson, both of Michigan City, Indiana; six grandchildren, Amber (Sebastian) Johnson, Jodan Hart, Angela Hart, Levron Norvell, Leah Norvell and Leila Norvell; two great grandchildren, Sydni Johnson and Ashton Johnson; one uncle, James Jackson, two aunts, Ruby Cobbs and Rosie Williams; special cousin Edna Horton; special friend, Candace Franklin; close friends, Eugene Simmons, Spencer Wright Jr., Matt Garrett, Ruby (George) Edwards, Faye Cunningham, Dell White, Maxine Hawkins, Herb Newkirk, and Rev. John McGee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, James Sanders and one sister, Kathleen Sanders.

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