Norma is the 5th child born in Albany, Georgia to the late Monroe Gaines Sr. and Lorenza Graper Gaines.  

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At age 9 she was baptized at the Second Bethesda Baptist Church and received her training in Christian Education.  Upon meeting her husband, Norma united with the Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  Norma is currently a member of the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church where her husband, Reverend Edward J. Heath serves as pastor.  At Hebron she is coordinator of the Youth and Women’s Ministry, she directs the youth and adult choirs.

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Norma has served in the following positions:

• Reporter, Vice-President, and President of the Artesian City Chapter of MWMW, of Albany, Ga

• Key Lady Pageant Coordinator, 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President, and President of the Georgia Association of MWMW

• Asst. Corresponding Secretary Southeast Region, Director of Protocol

• Presidential Aide to Dr. Beverly Williams Glover- IAMWMW

• Asst Director of Music; Director of Music IAMWMW

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She is a graduate of Albany High School.  

• B.A. in music voice concentration (Albany State College (University)

• B.S. in Early Childhood Education (ASC(U)

• M. Ed. Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University

• Ed. S Leadership and Supervision Albany State University.

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Norma devoted 33 years as a professional educator, 25 years to the Dougherty County School System and 8 with the Georgia Department of Corrections.

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She is married to the Reverend Edward J. Heath, and they have raised 4 daughters TaChantris, TaShantis, Kyania and Jameal; 4 grandchildren, Nascere, Nasean, Kaylin and Kelis; 2 god-daughters Helena Collins Anderson (Todd) and Hydea Collins; 2 god-grandchildren Todd Jr and Harmony. Two sisters Patricia and Marion.

 

Norma is a Silver Star Member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.

 

Norma delivered her first sermon on January 25, 2012.