CLEVELAND (ABP) — Dennis Norris, who led American Baptists in the Cleveland metropolitan area from 1987 to 2005, died Nov. 5. He was 75.
Dennis Norris, in an undated photo from his seminary days. (Courtesy Norris family)
|
“Our hearts are saddened by the loss of a very good friend and colleague who was loved by everyone here in Valley Forge,” said Roy Medley, general secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA, according to American Baptist News Service. “His work in mission support was very valuable to the ministries of ABC, and his pastor’s heart and untiring service to all people were exemplary. We grieve with his family and in their loss, but we know that our brother has gone to his reward in Christ’s presence.”
Norris served first as associate executive minister and then executive minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association. The group is one of more than 30 regional, state and metropolitan coalitions of churches affiliated with ABCUSA.
“Dennis moved among us with a confidence that no obstacle was too hard to overcome, that no accomplishment was too small to celebrate and that with God's help, our diverse, multi-cultural, multi-racial church family could achieve more than any of us imagined,” said Ivan George, a former ABCUSA national and regional staffer.
Norris is survived by his wife, Joan; four children; and a granddaughter. Funeral services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at Warrensville Road Community Baptist Church in Maple Heights, Ohio, followed by a military burial at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
Robert Marus is managing editor and Washington bureau chief for Associated Baptist Press.