Tonterlisa Norris' Obituary
It is with solemnity that we announce the passing of Tonterlisa Cofield Norris, a distinguished Master Gunnery Sergeant retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Master Gunnery Sergeant Norris departed on May 24, 2024, at her residence in Spotsylvania, Virginia, with her loyal companion, Bear, by her side. Born on February 3, 1965, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Tonterlisa Cofield Norris was the offspring of Lee Branch and Clarence (Bobby) Cofield, Jr. Her upbringing transpired in Nassau County, New York.
She is survived by her son, Tyrone Norris Jr.; granddaughter, Skylar Norris; brother, Dean Cofield; sisters, Latoya Key, Bobbette Cofield, Karen Cofield, and April (Kevin) Cofield Lambert, as well as her beloved companion, Bear. Additionally, her memory is honored by a community of Marine sisters, brothers, colleagues, and an extensive network of family members, friends, and professional associates, all of whom held her in profound affection and who cherished her deeply.
On March 29, 1983, Master Gunnery Sergeant Norris embarked upon her military journey by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Her tenure within the Marine Corps was characterized by dedication and excellence, culminating in her attainment of the prestigious rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank achievable. Her meritorious contributions were duly recognized through a plethora of accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (eighth award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (second award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (second award), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Martial Arts Black Belt, and numerous other commendations.
Throughout her distinguished career, Master Gunnery Sergeant Norris fulfilled pivotal roles as an 0151 personnel administrative clerk and later as a 0193, personnel administrative chief. Her assignments spanned across various duty stations, encompassing Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Beaufort, South Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas; Cherry Point, North Carolina; Greensboro, North Carolina; Arlington, Virginia; and Marine Corp Base Quantico, Virginia.
After completing a career of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, Tonterlisa served as a mission assurance coordinator and contractor supporting the Marine Corps Systems Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, from 2012 to 2013. Transitioning to the subsequent years, from 2014 to 2015, she assumed the role of operations manager within the G-4 department at Marine Corps Systems Command. Following this, from 2016 to 2022, she held the esteemed position of executive assistant to Brigadier General Shrader, Brigadier General Pasagian, and Mr. Williford. Tonterlisa's tenure concluded in November 2022 with her retirement from her second career as a government civilian.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, VA. Interment will immediately follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in her honor to Our Mother of Hope Apostolate at https://ourmotheroha.org/donate/. Your support in this endeavor would be deeply appreciated.
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