Willa Mae Norris was an educator and soprano soloist.

Norris died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012. She was 88.

She was born April 7, 1924 in Philadelphia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown.

She was a 1943 graduate of Roxborough High School. She graduated from West Chester State Teacher’s College in 1947 with a degree in elementary education. She was a member of the Negro Education Club and Girls Glee Club.

Norris taught in the Philadelphia school system for 37 years. She taught at Robert Fulton and Rudolph Walter Elementary Schools. She was also an active participant in the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

She studied opera under Henry Ambler Winder of Philadelphia. She was a soprano soloist for Dra Mu Opera, Philadelphia Concert Orchestra and the 52nd Street choirs at African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Norris danced with the Judimar School of Dance and made guest appearances at the Latin Club and on the radio.

Her circle of friends formed the Saturday Bridge Club, the Birthday Club, a Garden Club and the Karma Club. Norris enjoyed traveling, reading, shopping, watching classic movies and spending special occasions with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Reginald Royster and Charles Norris.

Norris is survived by her son, Dr. Reginald Royster, and grandson, Reginald III.

Services will be held October 18 at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 6361 Lancaster Ave. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m.

Flemuel Brown Jr. Funeral Home handled the arrangements.