Norma J. (Pickens) Brown, 69, of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Saint Vincent Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.  She is reunited with her daughter, Barbara Brown, who died in August 2021.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of forty-nine years, George E. Brown; three sons, George E. Brown, Jr. and his wife Brendaliz, and Nathan Pickens of Worcester, and Christopher Brown of New Jersey; three daughters, Juanita Brown, Alicia Pickens, and Lisa Pickens; three brothers, William, Jerry, and Mark Pickens; five sisters, Terrie, Tina, Gina, Sandra, and Anita Pickens, all of Worcester; six grandchildren, Makia Brown, Malaki Brown, Hezaki Brown, George Brown III, Kai Brown, and Princeton Graham; many nieces and nephews.  Norma was predeceased by six siblings.  Born in Chicago, daughter of the late, Robert and Dorothy (Worlds) Pickens, she lived most of her life in Worcester.

Norma worked for the Department of Youth Services as a case worker for twenty-seven years, retiring in 2019.  She also dedicated herself for twenty years at Great Brook Valley Day Care, where she was a mentor and inspiration to many.

Norma was a member of Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ.  She loved animals, travelling, and being surrounded by her loving family and extended family.  She will be remembered for the many kindnesses she shared with people throughout her life as mentor and friend to all.

Calling Hours will be on Thursday, June 22, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

Her Funeral will be on Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. in Grace Christian Center, (across from Elm Park), 126 Elm Street, Worcester (please gather directly at church).  Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.