(October 27, 2009) - Norvice Rachel Goodwin Penny was born July 31, 1933, in Baltimore. The fifth of six children to the late William M. Goodwin and the late Edith Koon Goodwin, she departed this life Sept. 18 at Northwest Hospital with her faithful son, Aaron “Butch” Jenkins, by her side.
Norvice attended public school in Baltimore and graduate from Douglass High School. She matriculated at Morgan State College, now Morgan State University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in educational administration. Norvice was dedicated to a life of learning and pursued postgraduate studies at Hampton University, Rutgers University and the University of Maryland.
Norvice began her career as a history teacher at Hamilton Junior High School. Her career in the Baltimore City School System progressive advanced with increasing levels of responsibility. She served as chair of the history department at Eastern High School and vice principal at Douglass High School. Her dedication to equal opporuntiy resulted in her appointment to the position of director of human relations and equal employment opportunity, where she made important contributions to ensuring diversity in the Baltimore County Public School System. She received numerous awards in recognition of her accomplishments, professionalism and effectiveness. She retired with an exemplary record.
Norvice enjoyed participating in religious, social and civic organizations. In her youth she was a member of Providence Baptist Church where her parents were founding members. She was an active member of Epworht United Methodist Chapel, which she joined after moving to Baltimore County. She was a lifelong member of alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also enjoyed involvement with the Morgan State University Alumni Class of 1957.
Norvice was predeceased by her parents and brothers William and James Goodwin. She is survived by her son, Aaron Milton Jenkins; her grandson Aaron “Skip Jenkins” Jr. (Merissa); devoted companion Charles Regusters; her sisters, Reva Goodwin Lewie (Lemuel Arthur), Edith Goodwin Gibson (Joseph) and Danese Goodwin Moore; sister-in-law Enolia Goodwin; goddaughter Andrea Norvice Moore-Evans (David); nieces and nephews, George Givens, Marcia Thomson (Troy), Julie Goodwin and Angela Moore-Rivers (Kevin) and a host of other loving relatives and friends.