Norma Claudia Brown, 78, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Norma was born on October 14, 1947, in Durham, NC, to the late Clyde and Maude Brown. She was the fourth child of this union. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Brown, Jr., and her sister, Lula Mae Brown. Her faith was established at Durham's Kyles Temple AME Zion Church, where she was baptized.

Norma was educated in the Durham City School System. She excelled academically at Hillside High School and graduated with honors in 1965. In 1965, Norma began her education at North Carolina College for Negroes (now known as North Carolina Central University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1969, graduating cum laude, and later completed a Master's degree in Counseling. While at NCCU, she was active in the Campus Echo and the Mathematics Club. In the fall of 1966, she was initiated into the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, becoming a lifelong and devoted soror.

In June 1973, Norma was married. From this union, three children were born.

After graduating with a master's degree in counseling in 1971, Norma worked at Winston-Salem State University as a math teacher. Two years later, she worked as a math teacher at Anderson High School. In 1985, Norma taught math at North Forsyth High School until her retirement in 2001. She then worked at Allegacy Credit Union for five years. She later came out of retirement to be a math coach at North Hills Elementary School until 2020, helping to shape the minds of the children there.

Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, humor, strength, and generosity and made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness always shone through. Norma always had a treat or gift for everyone who crossed her path.

Norma was passionate about serving others. She organized volunteer opportunities for the sorority and St. Paul UMC to help North Hills with Backpack Buddies, proctoring for End-of-Course testing, and Read Across America. She found joy in traveling and planning and organizing events.

She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, for 59 years. She served the Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter for over 33 years, actively sharing her talents on a host of committees, including Social Action, May Week, Founders Day, and Jabberwock. She created the monthly Lunch Bunch with her fellow Delta Dear sorors. Norma faithfully served in leadership roles, including Financial Secretary and Treasurer, and was honored as Delta of the Year. Her dedication also extended to the Regional Nominating Committee.

She was also active in the Winston-Salem Chapter of the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association. She served in several leadership positions in the chapter, including Treasurer. She planned and organized bus trips to NCCU's Fall Open House and was an active member of the Shepard Society of Golden Eagles.

Above all, Norma was a woman of deep faith. She was a faithful member of St. Paul UMC. She served on the Finance Committee and the Usher Board. She was active in several ministries, including Bible study and children's ministries.

Norma is survived by her two daughters, Chandra Guthrie Campbell (Maurice), and Charette Guthrie; and one son, Calvin Guthrie. She had two grandsons, Myles Campbell and Dayshaun Guthrie. She is also survived by her brothers, Frederick Stoney Brown (Gloria) and Alfred Brown (Karen); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NCCU's Alpha Lambda Chapter Endowment in memory of Norma Brown.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 4:00pm Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service will be held at 5:00pm Sunday, February 15, 2026 at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Monday, February 16, 2026 at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The family visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 1:00pm on Monday at the Church. Interment will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Beechwood Cemetery, Durham, NC.