Memorial service held for slain JSU student

JACKSON, MISS. – Tears of sadness, anger and disbelief filled the Rose Embly McCoy Auditorium on December 3, 2007 for the memorial service of Jackson State University student Latasha Norman.
The building was filled with family, friends, students and supporters whose lives had been changed by the 20-year old Greenville, Miss., native. Supporters filed into the auditorium to the site of beautiful flower arrangements and a poster size portrait honoring Norman’s homegoing.
Norman, who vanished from the Jackson State campus on Nov. 13th and was found Nov. 29th on Brown Street near the Tougaloo College community in north Jackson. Stanley Cole, her ex-boyfriend, has been charged with her murder.
“It was nice seeing all the students coming together whether they knew her or not,” said senior graphic design major Darryl Anderson of Gary Ind.
“If any females are dealing with abuse, they should try and get help. There is no reason for innocent lives being taken by foolishness,” added Anderson, who attended both the prayer vigil and memorial services.
More than 1,500 people attended the ceremony with every seat filled and the crowd spilling over to the aisles.
Among those attending the memorial were many of Norman’s coworkers from Michael’s art and craft store in north Jackson.
“The customers just loved her,” said Renea Smith, the store’s event coordinator. “My girls are here with me today, and they loved her too.”
Michael’s assistant manager Danny Jones said they are going to miss her smile. “Latasha was very dependable and dedicated,” he added.
Norman’s uncle, Freddy Norman, said: “We are very thrilled at the turnout and support we are receiving.”
The service was filled with prayers, music and words of encouragement about the life of Norman. Remarks from JSU President Ronald Mason Jr., and Dr. John C. Evans, Jr., the pastor of the church Norman attended in Jackson were all included in the program to help start the healing process for the JSU community and people whose lives were touched by Norman.
“Latasha’s death was the consequence of a social ill in this country -relationship violence. We should not let her experience be in vain. As tragic and extreme as Latasha’s situation was, the abuse that she was subjected to is probably not isolated,” said Mason.
Since the death of the JSU student, counselors have been on hand to help students and others deal with her death and the issue of domestic violence. An annual symposium also will be held in her honor.
“For our part, we have established the Latasha Norman Abuse Prevention Fund to support what will now be called the Latasha Norman Center for Social and Clinical Counseling at Jackson State University,” Mason said.
Latasha’s uncle was not aware of the new programs implemented but is pleased that they will be used to assist other young ladies.
Evans, pastor of Cathedral A.M.E. Zion church, gave the attendees a short but moving sermon on Mathew 10:37.
“When deciding what I was going to say about Latasha, I just prayed. I prayed for the Cole family and Norman family because this is a horrific event that could happen to anybody,” said Evans.
During his sermon, Evans also emphasized forgiveness for Stanley Cole and prayer for the Cole family.
“It is always tough for forgiveness, but we are not the judges,” Freddy Norman said. “We are here to celebrate her homegoing and justice will be served.”
Her uncle passionately stated that even though Norman was not there physically, he knew (Latasha) was at the ceremony.
Ashlei Spivey writes for the JSU Blue & White Flash. Other contributions made by Di’Kobie Berry.