On the cool evening of November 5, 1934, the small town of Leesville, Texas welcomed the birth of Norva Lee Surrell to the late J.D. Surrell and Fidelity Clack Surrell. The family a short time later in 1941 moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. It was then the family led by J.D. Surrell united with the St. John Baptist Church located on Ramirez Street. Norva Lee accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age.

Norva Lee began her formal education at Holy Cross Catholic School and completed it at Solomon M. Coles High School. While at Coles she was affectionately nicknamed "Bones" because of her petite stature. Of course, that was before she was blessed with 6 blessings from her Lord. However, even after her children were all full grown that nickname was still heard by those who loved her, especially her late niece, Rubye Rae Hubert.

While attending high school she participated in many social activities. Most notably she was the high stepping drum majorette for the Fighting Green Hornets band of Coles. She was elected Queen of the Solomon Coles group of Beauties. The group was honored by riding on the NAACP float in the Buccaneers day parade, where she was given the honor as queen and graced the top of the float.

Norva Lee served as the pianist of St. John's church choirs under the direction of the late Professor Walter E. Odom. She also served under the pastorate of Dr. Shelvin Hall and Dr. Harold T. Branch. Norva Lee's late sister Bessie accompanied her as the church organist.

On April 6,1957, Norva Lee married Willie Z. Terry. God blessed their marriage with six children. Danny, Denise, Debbie, Tammy, Tracy and Timothy. They were often referred to as the 3D'd and the 3T's. The family, while living in California, united with the Friendly Friendship Baptist Church. Norva Lee continued to let God use her as she served as one of the musicians along with the Late Billy Preston.

After being called to the ministry, Willie Z returned the family to Corpus Christi in January of 1965 and True Faith Baptist Church was officially formed in 1967. Norva Lee served as the churches first musician. While she played, she trained others to serve God with music right alongside her. And when her health began to decline and the music ministry continued to grow and evolve as a result of her leadership, she quietly allowed God to bless her to witness the fruits of her musical labors.

Norva Lee not only played for True Faith but also served as the musician for the Western District Association under the late Dr. H.C. Dillworth. She also led the musicians in the American Baptist State Convention under the leadership of the late Dr. P.S. Wilkerson. Norva Lee also served as a musician for the American Baptist National Convention. As a gifted pianist, Norva Lee travelled all over the United States praising the Lord on those black and white ivory keyboards.

Norva Lee used every one of her God given gifts to produce fruit. She worked for the City of Corpus Christi as a Crossing Guard for 26 years. Her love for children during her last 10 years of employment was spent protecting the little ones at J.A. Garcia elementary school. Her affection and care for children was not limited to the walls of the church but extended to those in the neighborhood as they often visited her at home. Her love for them was often returned as they heaped loads of love on her for years to come.

Norva Lee continued to allow God to use her once her piano playing and city crossing guard chapters came to an end. Despite her failing health, the Lord moved her ministry in a completely different direction. She was blessed with the gift of encouragement and she used it daily. She allowed all those within the sound of her voice, the poor, the sick, the broken-hearted, the hopeless, those left behind, the homeless, naked and the least of these to be invited into her home. She boldly shared God's good news with all of them and assured them that "everything will be alright." She continued to bless everyone in her presence with those words from her pillow even while on her sick bed.

The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who hangs in there, knowing that if they hold on to God's unchanging hand - As Norva Lee would preach "Everything is going to be alright." and now, as she is safely tucked into the loving arms of God, it is alright with Norva Lee.

God called her name and said well done at 10:15pm on October 10, 2019 while at her home surrounded by her loving family. Waiting to greet her are her parents, J.D. and Fidelia Clack Surrell. Her sisters Louie Sorrell, Norma Jean Sorrell, Bessie Surrell Clark, Pearlie B. Asked and Dorothy Drinkard, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Her memories shall forever be cherished by her family and friends. Norva Lee leaves so many to honor her memory. She leaves her six children, Danny L. Terry of Corpus Christi, Texas. Denise L. Taylor of Missouri City, Texas. Debbie A. Vincent of Corpus Christi, Texas. Tammy L. Terry (David Cross) of Detroit, Michigan, Tracey Morgan (Curtis) of Dallas Texas; Timothy Lee Terry (Cassandra) of Pflugerville, Texas. And Christopher B. Surrell, born to her late sister Bessie but raised by their mother Fidelia Surrell and grew up with the children as just another beloved brother. One sister Dovie Jordan of Houston, Texas. One brother in law L.O. Terry (Jewel) of Missouri City, Texas.

Norva Lee was "Big Mama" to her grandchildren and all other children who experienced her love for them. If any of her 19 grandkids brought other kids home they would eventually end up calling her "Big Mama". Her 34 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grand babies enjoyed every minute of cherished times spent laughing and loving and being loved in return by Big Mama.

Norva Lee also leaves behind 3 very special first cousins. Verlene Moore of San Antonio, Texas. Sonny Garcia of Seguin, Texas and Rosie Lee Cross of Houston, Texas. There is a whole host of nieces, nephew, cousins and many, many, many more very good friends and loved ones.

Norva Lee, Bones, Sister Terry, Mrs. Terry, Mother and Big Mama. Above all those names and titles, the one she wore with pride was that she was a true born child of God. Amazing grace was her favorite hymn and she will be remembered as an amazing woman. If she touched your life in some small way then a little piece of her will live on forever.

This was just a little part of her big story. If I had it my way I would have printed it in song. But it's alright because I have the Blessed Assurance of knowing that she is praising our savior all the day long. . . .

Danny LaRue Terry, 1st born, feet first. Love you Mudda