Norma Lewis Cummings, 84, died at American Village in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, due to complications from heart disease. She had lived a vibrant and rewarding life.
Born on October 15, 1929, in Indianapolis, Norma graduated from St. John’s Academy High School and earned a B.A. in Social Work from Marian College. Norma was active in civic and political organizations including the National Council of Negro Women, Flanner House Guild, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Association, the National Federation of Republican Women and the Indiana Black Republican Council, which she co-chaired.
In 1978, Norma was appointed Deputy State Auditor for the Indiana Employment Security Division. She later served as Executive Director of the Indiana Contractors Education Center and Deputy Director for the Indianapolis Division of Equal Opportunity. She also held positions with the State Student Assistance Commission and the Indianapolis Housing Authority.
A national expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Norma collaborated with the Thomson Group Editorial Board of Advisors on two compliance books. She was also appointed to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals and to the Marion County Cable Franchise Board, and was awarded the Key to the City by Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut III.
In her senior years, Norma joined the communities of Crestwood Village North and American Village.
Survivors include husband James C. Cummings Jr.; children and daughters- and sons-in-law Cynthia Cummings (Mary Hunsche), James Cummings III (Karlotta Cummings), Cecilia Cummings (Stephen Glynn), Ronald Cummings (Lisa Cummings), and Claudia Cummings (Michael Rains); eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. Services will follow at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Lid says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Norma. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
Valerie Harris says
This is a lovely tribute to the mother of our supervisor, Cecilia Cummings. Thank you for sharing with us in Philadelphia.
Robert Ransom says
May God bless and comfort the family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Renoir Gaither says
My sincere condolences to the Cummings family.
Kellie Gonzalez says
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you Ron and your families as you walk through this time. I did not know your Mother, Grandmother but I know you and I know she was a magnificent Woman! “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.” ~ Rossiter W. Raymond
My love and Prayers are sent to you all with much respect.
Ella sumner parker says
I am so sorry to here about the passing of my Aunt Norma. I have some very precious memories, that are priceless. Aunt Norma was so very kind and loving to me when I was a little girl. I enjoyed coming to Uncle June, and Aunt Norma’s home, spending time with them, Princess, Kiddie, Jimmy, Ronnie, and Claudia (which she may not remember) I want you to know, my prayers are with the family, and may the Lord bless you all in this time of bereavement.
Sunny Barclift says
My sincere condolences to the Cummings family. May your hearts be healed during this time of sorrow.
Patsy Gaines says
To Ron and Family, I know it’s hard to lose a love one but just know that the memories that she left behind will always be in your hearts forever. God will never put more on us than we can bear. Just know that the life she lived and all of her accomplishments says a lot about the woman that she was. Again I’m truly sorry and you have my deepest condolences. God bless you and your family!
Janet Smith says
Cynthia,
I am so sorry I won’t be able to see you tomorrow during the visitation. I have a bridal shower to attend in Jackson, MI so we will be heading out of town early in the morning. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Michelle Cummings Snell says
Through our happy memories, God allows our loved ones to be a part of us always, and never forgotten.
I have happy memories of visiting Aunt Norma and Uncle June, and my cousins Jimmy, Ronnie, Cynthia, Kitty, and Claudia, on Saturday or Sunday afternoons with my dad.
To my family, I love you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time especially, and always.
“Micki” (Michelle Cummings)/Rowlett(Dallas), TX
Wayne A. Maddox & family says
To the Cummings family. May God life up your entire family, and keep you in his grace.
Freddie Clemons says
I am so sorry I am just now finding about this a day late. I would have definitely showed up to the services. So sorry I missed them. However I send my condolences out to the family. May God bless you and comfort you in this time of loss. Peace and Blessings.