By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AVONDALE - Theresa Norris' Christmas tree stood in her foyer 365 days a year.

As the seasons changed so did the ornaments. For Valentine's Day, she decorated the tree in hearts; during Kwanzaa, candles.

Her husband of 20 years, Samuel Norris, says the tree stands as a testament to her warmth and creativity.

"She was instrumental in developing a loving, fun-based environment which resulted in complete displays of spirit. It was her artistic and loving skills that filled the Norris household."

Theresa Norris, assistant principal at Hartwell Elementary School, died Dec. 27 at University Hospital of sepsis. The Avondale resident was 54.

Her deep religious beliefs colored every aspect of her life, and "set the tone for constant, consistent family Bible study," her husband said. "She walked the walk she preached about."

She was a consummate professional, who "wasn't afraid to tell it like it was, or how things could have been handled better. She had drive and personality, and when it came to her work, it had to be right - or not at all," her husband said.

Mrs. Norris spent 32 years working in various capacities for Cincinnati Public Schools - from teacher to counselor to administrator.

She created a program for gifted children, was math and sciences director, and past CPS president of the Cincinnati Association for Administrators and Supervisors.

"She was blessed in the way she saw children. She would go out of her way to deal with kids with problems, and would bring out the best in them so they could achieve," her husband said.

The Withrow High School graduate earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Cincinnati, and was two courses shy of her doctorate, also from UC.

Most recently, she was assistant principal of Hartwell Elementary School.

An active member of the Church of the Living God, she was a Sunday school teacher and student, the church's financial secretary, and choir member.

She was also the editorial assistant for Gospel Truth magazine and was recently appointed registration coordinator for the National Convention of the Church of the Living God.

Along with her husband, other survivors include a son, Tristan Norris of Avondale; parents Fred and Dorothy Frazier of Hyde Park; and a sister, Cynthia Grant of College Hill.

Services have been held.

Burial was in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials: Church of the Living God, c/o Cynthia Grant, 434 Forest Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229.