Norman Terrence Sumpter Jr.

Norman Terrence "Denell" Sumpter, Jr. was born on February 15, 1979, at Queen of Angels Hospital, in Los Angeles, California to Norman and Jacqueline Sumpter. He departed this life on Friday, July 27, 2012, at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Growing up primarily in Los Angeles, Denell attended Alexander Hamilton High School and earned his diploma in 1997. In 1998 Denell was certified as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist. In 2000, he entered the United States Navy where he worked as an Airman on the USS Stennis, the USS Benfold, and at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. He completed almost five years of active duty before being Honorably Discharged on March 10, 2005, achieving, the rank of Third Class Petty Officer.

During his time in the military and beyond, Denell excelled academically by continuing his education and earning certificates and awards in Correctional Officer and Information Systems Technician. Prior to his death, Denell was enrolled at the University of Memphis where he was working towards earning his Bachelor's Degree in History.

After leaving the military, Denell became a "Jack of all Trades." He has been employed in a variety of jobs where he was able to demonstrate his talents and skills. Most recently, he was employed at the local Home Depot in Memphis. During his short time at Home Depot, he was able to touch the lives of his coworkers in the most positive ways.

On October 10, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Denell married Dr. Latrice Pichon before family and friends. The couple has been best friends and inseparable since the summer of 1998.

Denell loved to travel, spending time with close friends and family, but most of all spending time with his loving wife.

Denell's career at the Home Depot allowed him the luxury of being able to learn even more and helped him develop his new passion for gardening. This is where he loved to spend his free time which was evident in the harvest of fruits and vegetables he grew and shared.

Denell will be missed by many. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Dr. Latrice Pichon, his parents, Mr. Norman and Mrs. Jacqueline Sumpter, sister and brother-in-law Michelle and Michael Ries, two nieces Olivia and Madison Ries, father and mother-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Melvin C. Pichon, sister-in-law Damika Pichon, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends.