Ernest William Norwood

On Sunday morning, March 17, 2019, Ernest William Norwood, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, peacefully entered eternal rest. Ernie was born in Washington, DC on April 27, 1929 and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. The only son of Ernest and Hilda Ponsyer Norwood, both deceased, he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Hilda Guess Norwood, only son, Donatien William Norwood, grandchildren Briana Elyse, Morganne Paige and William Bryce Norwood, daughter-in-law Debra Vanessa Norwood, grandson-in-law, Wade Lafayette Robinson, a host of other relatives and many friends.

He was educated in the public schools of Washington, DC where he excelled at Cardozo High School as a key member of the city football and national track championship teams in 1946. After high school, he attended Howard University on a football scholarship and later received his B.S. degree in accounting and administration from Southeastern University Washington, DC.

Earning the rank of Corporal, he served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the Korean War. He worked for the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Information Agency, for over 37 years as an accountant and budget analyst. He served as EEOC officer for 10 years and as a counselor while working in the federal government. Ernie was an avid tennis player since the age of 12, playing well into his 80s. He was as comfortable with a tennis racket as most seniors are when watching TV.

Ernie also worked in his community, giving his time and services whenever needed. He did volunteer work with the Prince George’s Association for Retarded Children (now known as Melwood) as treasurer for 12 years. He also served as scout master at St. Margaret’s Catholic School’s boy scout troop. He served as Treasurer of the Town of Glenarden, Maryland for 10 years as well as Treasurer for DeMatha Catholic High School Band Boosters for 15 years. He was a Master Mason, Past Master and Shriner. In his retirement, Ernie taught at DuVal High School and James Madison Middle School as a substitute teacher.

Ernie was a lifelong Episcopalian. During his childhood, he was a member of the Chapel of the Atonement in Washington, DC where he served as an altar boy. While living in Detroit, MI, he attended Grace Episcopal where he served on the Vestry. It was there that he also met and married Hilda Guess. He was a member of Christ Church in Clinton, MD since 1980, and served as a member of the Vestry, Chairman of the Finance committee (10 years) and Co-Treasurer. He also worked with the counters preparing the Sunday offering and other monies for deposit, and also kept track of all invested funds. He was dedicated to making sure the church remained debt free. Under the leadership of Father Bill, Ernie also became a lay Eucharistic Minister. Over the years Ernie truly gave of his Time and Talents.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Viewing 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 8710 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD 20735. Interment 1:30 p.m. at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722.