Helen L. Norvel, 76, died Sept. 27, at her home in Syracuse. She was born on July 6, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Norman and Alma Norvel.

Helen grew up in Escatawpa, Mississippi and graduated from Magnolia High School in Moss Point. In 1965 she moved to Syracuse to join her older sisters who had relocated to Central New York.

Helen worked for General Electric, KeyBank and Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield. At the time of her death she was a Parks and Recreation aide at the Cecile Community Center in Syracuse.

Helen had a loving heart and her beautiful smile and infectious laugh were the highlight of any family gathering. She cherished the time she spent with her sisters and was an adored Auntie to many. For several years, Helen was active with the Syracuse Chapter of NAACP ACT-SO, mentoring African-American youth and helping them to achieve their dreams at the local and national level.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons John F. Sims (Kathy) of Cicero and Lazarus Sims (Daphne) of Tampa, Fla.; her siblings Tommie Montgomery of Nashville, Tenn.; Clareice Jenkins of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Dorothy Hudson, Alma Norvel of Syracuse; Norman Norvel Jr. (Karen) of Asheville, N.C.; Emma Norvel, Iona Putmon (Willie), Nancy Alexander Linton (Stephen) of Syracuse; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Herman Carter, Thomas Safford, James Safford; and sisters: Norma Norvel, Ollie Williams and Kathy Norvel.

Visitation with the family will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Newcomer Cremations & Funerals, 705 North Main St., North Syracuse, with a service at 3:00pm.

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Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Cecile Community Center, 174 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13205.

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