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Norvis Lamarr Dabney


Sunrise: April 10, 1961

Sunset: August 2, 2022

“Don’t think of her as gone away, her journey’s just begun. Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears. In a place of warmth and comfort where there is no more days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. Think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched. Nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.” – Author Unknown

Norvis Lamarr Dabney departed this life peacefully on August 2, 2022. She was born into the union of the Late Charles Louis Dabney and Ella Hurdle Dabney-Bynum in Portsmouth, VA. She was baptized as a child and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Her Christian journey continued through her spiritual connection with Faith Deliverance Christian Center.

In her youth, she attended Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of the Manor High School Class of 1979. Norvis attended Virginia State University and later acquired an Associate of Science degree in Computer Analysis from ECPI.

Norvis entered into government employment via the apprentice program and achieved resounding success during her 41 years of employment with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. As the Project Material Coordinator for Code 224, Norvis took pride in her work. She was a dedicated, knowledgeable, reliable and dependable employee whose primary concern was the safety of the sailors.

She enjoyed fishing, playing bid whist, maintaining her lawn, grilling, and keeping up with her beloved four-legged companion, Corduroy. Her most important life’s dedication was being a mother to and doting over Kevin, her prided and joy. Norvis embraced life, loved her family and valued true friends. She had a special “Network of Love” that comprised the following friends: Fayon Fell, Alisha Newman, Kimberly Mack, Julie Bright, Angie Boone, Linda Faircloth, Joyce Mickens, Carolyn Winrow and Patrice Noyan.

Our beloved leaves to cherish her memory, her son Kevin Louis Dabney Leaven (finance’ Grace); sister, Donna L. Dabney; Godsons, Aubrey Watts, Jr, Jeffrey Watts, and Mekkel Fell; godsister, Brenda Wiggins; godbrothers; Darryl K. Mason, Sr. and Neil J. Cannon; uncles, Howard R. Dabney, Curtis Hurdle, Vernon Hurdle, and Steve Lassiter; aunts, Priscilla Mason, Ernestine Cassell, Harriett Hurdle, Carolyn Cannon and Velma Hurdle; many cousins and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Edward Bynum and uncle James L. Dabney.

Viewing Thursday, August 11, 2022 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Friday, August 12, 2022 12 Noon Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(27)

  1. reply
    Frances Chavous says

    Sending love and compassion to Kevin and the family at this difficult time. Norvis was my coworker and friend. I will truly miss her and the impact she made in my life just whenever we traveled on short trips or talked on the phone. She is free of her pain and suffering…

    God has taken another flower.

  2. reply
    Caressa Coardes-Henderson says

    Words can never suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for you, Kevin, for the passing of your mother. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we will pray for comfort for you and your family. We love you. She was a special lady and she loved you most.

    • reply
      Cynthia M Brooks says

      Sending heartfelt sympathy to Kevin, ,Donna and the rest of the family. Norvis was a part of my NNSY family and a very special friend to me. She was there for me and my son Del during his illness. I will forever cherish her presence in our lives. May God bless and keep you during this time of loss. Remember God loves you and so do I.

  3. reply
    Brenda Wiggins says

    I am truly sorry for the passing of my god sister, Norvis. Novis was a beautiful person, inside and out. I will miss her as I am sure all of us will. Donna and Kevin, may God continue to hold you in his arms always and give you comfort and peace. I love you and may God continue to bless you!.

  4. reply
    Teresa A Washington says

    It is with sadness that I send my deepest and sincerest condolences to her family. Norvis was an amazing woman. What she gave to NNSY, will be sorely missed. She was a trailblazer and a great mentor for all who worked with her. To God be the Glory. No more pain. She is resting after a job well done.

  5. reply
    Bruce T. Chapman says

    August 5, 2022 at 10:52 AM
    Sending my condolences to Kevin and the family at this difficult time. Norvis was my coworker and friend that I will truly miss for her compassion for family and work ethics that she dedicated her life too. She was a wealth of knowledge and willing to share to ensure the one team one mission motto was realistic. Family remember earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal, with this in perspective be encouraged. God knew her heart and body and it was that time for healing. Much love, Bruce

  6. reply
    Rodric says

    Kevin – I love you brother. You will continue to make your mom proud from above.

  7. reply
    Lisa says

    Kevin, Donna and Family, We are sending our sincerest prayers and condolences to your family. May you cherish the moments spent together, lessons taught and your awesome bond. Peace and Love, Lisa & Barry Fox

  8. reply
    Mirline Jean Norris says

    Toutes mes simpathies Kevin , Dona et a toute la famille de Norvis. Perdre sa mère, sa soeur ou un proche c’est perdre une partie de soi. C’est jamais facile. Mais vous etes dans mes prieres. Norvis repose en paix.

  9. reply
    Angela A. Dawson says

    Norvis was a Beautiful Soul! Smart, funny, and genuine; to name a few characteristics I remember. My prayers are with Donna and the family.

  10. reply
    Janet Boone says

    My condolences to Donna and family for sharing your precious jewel with me, from high school thru graduation, and conversing from a distance. Norvis will always be remembered, But Never Forgotten, because she was such a smart, funny and beautiful person from the crown of her head to the sole of her feet. A Diva, yes she was. Now take your Rest in Heaven Peacefully by Friend.

  11. reply
    Julie Halladay says

    Kevin, I met your mom for the first time at your JMU graduation celebration. Norvis was beaming with a joyful heart and over the years whenever I got the opportunity to visit with her I realized what a positive force she was on this earth. You are her legacy and as I’ve told you before, I couldn’t have handpicked a better friend for my sons.
    Well done Norvis! I believe your mom will remain the wind beneath your wings as you continue to shine your light, Kevin.

  12. reply
    Larraine Brown says

    Donna, on behalf of the Agape Chapter of Blacks In Government, we send our condolences for the loss of your sister. During this difficult time, may you find comfort in the sympathy expressed by your Agape Chapter BIG Family and love ones.

  13. reply
    Angela Gilliam (Fuller) says

    On behalf of Christopher and Kendrick Perry and Angela Gilliam (Fuller) we extend our condolences for the loss of your mother and sister. Norvis was a wonderful person who truly loved family and friends. Norvis could say things that would have you laughing for days and an awesome Mother to Jay and caretaker to her Mother and Stepfather. If she could help in some way, she would. We will miss her dearly, but will never be forgotten. Donna and Jay you are in our thoughts and prayers! Much love always!

  14. reply
    Alicia Guyton says

    Donna & Kevin
    Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I cant imagine how your feelings are missing your loved one.
    DCVA Divine 9 and Blacks in Government Agape Chapter send their condolences to you

  15. reply
    Suzanne Eich says

    Our entire family grieves with you, Kevin and Grace, over the loss of your dear Mother. I so enjoyed getting to know her during our days when you and Peter were at Norfolk Christian. She was always such a champion for you and was and will be so very proud of you!
    I know she is fishing right now in some heavenly pond.
    Our prayers are with you all as you journey through this time of sorrow. Sending all the love and hugs from the Eich family.

  16. reply
    Marilyn D. Grant says

    Extending my condolences and love to Kevin and the Dabney family. Please know that God will see you through this difficult time. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross in Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was also a pleasure to see and talk to Norvis at Shelia’s birthday celebration a year ago. We all had a laughing good time catching up on Shipyard news.

    Family, may the precious memories of Norvis always be etched in your hearts. Cherish those memorable moments.
    Praying for your strength,

  17. reply
    Daniel Monroe says

    Deacon Daniel and Edith Monroe of FDCC is sending are prayers and condolences to the family.

  18. reply
    Sandra Broughton says

    Kevin and Donna sending my prayers and condolences to your family. I have been blessed with knowing Norvis for 15 years. She was my mentor and confidant. She got me through some of the lowest points in my life with her words and prayers. She touched my life in so many ways. My angel on earth. God called our angel to heaven. I know she will be looking down and comforting us all. My continuous prayers are with you and your family.

  19. reply
    Tracie Smith-Banks says

    Kevin and Donna, Norvis was a very sweet and funny person. I knew her at Manor High School and I’m sorry for your loss. I pray that God will be with you during this time. Know that earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.

  20. reply
    The Greater New York Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association says

    Deepest sympathy to Howard Dabney and the extended family of Norvis Dabney

  21. reply
    Kem S. says

    Deepest and most sincere condolences to Kevin, Donna and the rest of the family. May the arms of your savior embrace you everlastingly. With Love

  22. reply
    Kem S. says

    Deepest and most sincere condolences to Kevin, Donna and the rest of the family. May the arms of your savior embrace you everlastingly.

  23. reply
    Tina L. says

    Prayers and deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time. God bless.

  24. reply
    DeShera says

    Kevin, Donna, Corduroy (smile), I am so happy that God allowed me to experience Norvis’ grace. May the awesome memories that were created help you thru…
    She wouldn’t want you to cry for her. She definitely would want you to embrace God and enjoy life. Make her smile by continuing to do so.

  25. reply
    Wyatt - Faircloth - Joyner Family says

    Sending an Expression of Sympathy

    “This is a time for gathering all the best of a good life and holding it in the heart forever. With deepest sympathy to the Dabney Family in this time of sorrow. God will direct the peace and love for each of you in your time of need. Our family will miss Norvis but to be absent from the body states you are present with the Lord. God Bless the Family and Praying for your strength and peace.
    The Wyatt – Faircloth – Joyner Family

  26. reply
    David and Pat Eich says

    Sincere sympathy to Kevin and family on the loss of your Mom. You are in our heart and prayers.

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