Norma Kendall - Hamlet

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Norma Kendall-Hamlet was born on December 7, 1938 in the island of Trinidad & Tobago. She was raised by her father, Cuthbert Fitzgerald Kendall and stepmother Ju Kendall and was preceded in death by both parents and mother Agatha Bernard. Norma grew up in a small village in south Trinidad before leaving to pursue higher education in the city. She attended Naparima Girls’ High School for one semester before moving to Port-of-Spain to continue her higher education at the prestigious St. Augustine Girls’ High School, graduating with a BA in Secretarial studies. Norma was united in holy matrimony to Mervyn Elias Hamlet on August 7, 1965, and from this union, was blessed with one son and one daughter. Norma’s, secretarial skills was just the beginning of a long career in which she excelled. She began working at the United States Military base in Trinidad as a Legal Secretary, until it was disbanded. Norma continued as a Legal Secretary at the Public Transportation Service Corporation (PTSC) where she was voted Secretary of the Year. Her service to this Corporation ended when she retired. She then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she was able to raise her two children as a single mother. Arriving in Atlanta, Norma attended Rutledge College and graduated with an accounting degree. She was employed by a small family-owned business as an accountant. She then worked at Macy’s as an assistant buyer in the fashion jewelry department. From there she worked at The Home Depot Corporate office as an accountant, in the Loss and Prevention Department until she retired on June 28, 2007. Norma was spirituality fed, and loved attending Cascade United Methodist Church. As her health failed, she continued listening to the sermons on live stream until she transitioned. Many of us, received a daily devotional from her, electronically. When you did not receive them, you knew something was not right. She was truly a Spiritual woman. During Norma’s “ME TIME” she could always be found either reading a good novel or journaling her deepest thoughts. Norma’s personality was larger than life, she exuberated this through her LOVE for dancing and listening to Soca Music. She never met a stranger which allowed her to cultivate several friendships. In Trinidad, Norma was a long-standing member of the Olive Walke’s La Petite Musicale-Caribbean Folk Songs (1963) RCA Victor-LPB 3016, singing and performing cultural folk songs nationwide. In the United States, Norma was on a mission to exemplify her Trinidad roots, that being said she hit the ground running, determined to be involved in community affairs. Her gifts and talents awarded her numerous achievements. Continuing her love for community involvement in Atlanta, she joined with Paula Cooper, the founder and President of Atlanta Sister Cities Commission (ASCC), which later became known as Atlanta/Port-of-Spain Sister Cities. Norma served as President. On June 10, 1997, Bill Campbell, former Mayor, of Atlanta, awarded Norma the Certificate of Appreciation for her valuable contributions, in bringing the two cities together in spirit of cooperation, friendship and international understanding. May 4, 2002, she received an Unsung Heroines Award from Metropolitan Atlanta Coalition of 100 Black Women. 2007 Murchison Brown, former Mayor of Port of Spain, awarded her a Certificate for her dedication for development of the Sister Cities Relationship. 2011 Norma worked with Global Health and Humanitarian Summit -Atlanta where she was the liaison with the Atlanta Fire Department, training members of the Trinidad and Tobago fire services. Norma, along with a team of workers gathered and donated medical supplies and a medical bus that was shipped to AFRICA. June 2012, The Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition, recognized for her outstanding contribution in the Caribbean American Community. October 30, 2017, Norma was presented an Award of Appreciation from the Port-of-Spain Corporation, recognizing her dedication to the development of the Sister Cities Relationship between Atlanta and Port-of-Spain. Norma also participated in, and supported various events hosted by, The Trinidad and Tobago Georgia Association. Yes, Norma will be missed. We will cherish and remember her for her quiet spirit, amazing sense of humor, (‘Drink yah water and mind yah Business’) her favorite quote, unwavering love and warmth. She is survived by her son, Wayne Hamlet (Madelene), daughter, Gale Frankie, brothers, Augustus Chester, Cyril Bernard (Pat), Keith Bernard, Winston Bernard, Hugh Bernard, Clyde Rabathly, and Michael Rabathly, sisters, Jenifer Bernard, Merle Rabathly, and Deborah Forde, several nieces and nephews, cousins, granddaughter, grand babies, and a host of relatives and friends. In Lieu of flowers feel free to donate to help offset medical expenses this can be made to Gale via Zelle @404-375-0789 Service will be live streamed at the following link https://vimeo.com/event/3583177

Norma Kendall - Hamlet

December 7, 1938 - July 14, 2023