Norman L. Woodley

The legacy of Norman L. Woodley of Kansas City, MO., is a life well lived. He was a minister, singer, artist, professional model, doting father, surrogate father and grandfather to many, big brother, uncle and a man who loved his gadgets and tech toys, hats and stylish wardrobe.

Norman peacefully transitioned this life and gained his heavenly wings on September 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Yvonne and three daughters.  After a nearly six-year battle with pancreatic cancer, he lost the fight but emerged victorious and is now resting in the arms of the Lord.  Norman was born November 13, 1954, to the union of Rose Marie and Freddie Leon Woodley, Sr.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Freddie L. Woodley, Jr. and one daughter Ebony Neal.

Norman married the love of his life on September 22, 1979, following several years of friendship. Together they shared a life spanning four decades filled with love, faith and adventure; becoming travel partners and creating cherished memories along the way. They also had a deep love for jazz, often spending evenings enjoying concerts or listening to their favorite music at home. Their faith played a central role in their lives as they worshipped together, offering guidance and support to many. Above all, Norman treasured time with his family (his happy place), especially cheering on his grandchildren at their events, always their biggest fan. His life with Yvonne included the birth of their three girls: Nikita, Narisha and Neisha, and was marked by love and telling corny jokes.

Norman graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City. MO. in 1973 where he was voted ‘Best Singer’ in his senior year. Shortly thereafter, Norman became a member of Donzell’s Modeling Team and often designed his own outfits for shows. Fortunately, his mother Rose, was a gifted seamstress and brought many of Norman’s creations to fruition. His experience in modeling landed him a job with Hallmark Cards, Inc. where he appeared on many greeting cards as one of its premiere black faces in the 1970s. Simultaneously, Norman was launching a musical career singing and dancing in local talent shows around the city. Later, he was a member of the singing group “ICE”, and traveled and performed with his brother Fred’s band. Norman would sing any chance he could emulating the sounds of Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and George Benson. He even performed and won a cruise ship karaoke contest and afterwards became a celebrity on the cruise ship everywhere he went. Norman was no stranger to a microphone.

Norman pursued higher education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where he began studying at the Conservatory of Music and later earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1979. Norman’s professional career included stints at Sprint, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as an investigator, and Apria Healthcare for nine years before he retired.

Norman was ordained a deacon in 2001 and later obtained a certificate for Christian Education & Leadership Development from the Urban Ministries Conference in 2005. In April 2006, he was licensed as an associate minister at Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church and earned a Certificate of Biblical Studies from Graceway Bible College in December 2015. In September 2023, Norman was ordained a minister where he continued to preach the word of God at Cleveland under the leadership of Senior Pastor Harrison Jackson.

As a child, you would have thought Norman already had a license to preach, often imitating preachers with his younger sisters as an audience. They tell a funny story about Norman burying and eulogizing a pet rabbit in their backyard.

Norman grew up in St. Stephens Baptist Church and Emanuel Baptist Church and later became a member of Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church where he faithfully served for 38 years. During his membership at Cleveland, he was a member of the choir and male chorus, Sunday school teacher, lead and participated in Bible Study and Vacation Bible School. He formed and led the Cleveland “Kingdom Men” Ministry (formerly known as “God’s Warriors”) for many years. Norman was also involved in other Christian men’s ministries including Promise Keepers, where he was the Speaker Hospitality Captain of the Volunteer Leadership Team during the National Conventions held in Kansas City. He was also involved with the KC Concerned Clergy. because of his strong faith in God, he loved discussing the Bible and bringing souls to Christ. He held home Bible study for many years with young families. During his illness he would often discuss his love for the Lord with the doctors, nurses, and staff. And he would often say “If God doesn’t do anything more, then He has already done enough”.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Yvonne of 45 years; three daughters: Nikita Vonee’ (Kansas City, MO); Narisha Woodley (Kansas City, MO); Neisha (Kamieon, Sr.) Martin (Charlotte, NC); one son, Marcus (Nickey) Taylor (Lee’s Summit, MO); two sisters: Pamela Woodley (Kansas City, MO); Roshalle Crosby (Grandview, MO); two brothers: Michael (Serita) Howard (Kansas City, MO) and Randy (Tammy) Palmer (Grandview, MO); one godson, Jason Taylor (Kansas City, MO); 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.