Detra A. Brison-Norman

Detra Arlethia Brison-Norman, 67, of Avondale, PA, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in West Chester, PA, on December 31, 1958, Detra was the daughter of the late George Lindberg Downes and Margaret Elizabeth Brison Patton. She was the wife of James Henry Norman, with whom she shared 26 years of marriage. She was affectionately known as "Dee" by her family and friends.

Detra was educated in the Avon Grove School District. She graduated from Avon Grove Senior High School in 1976. She worked for Hain Celestial Group (former Gagliardi Brothers) from 1979-2009. She attended Dawn Career Institute in 2013, where she received her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. She worked as a CNA for many years as a beloved caretaker for Betsy Wyeth.

Detra enjoyed word search puzzles, gardening, and crocheting. She made beautiful hats, scarves and afghans. She enjoyed her goldfish pond, traveling to the state of Maine to get lobsters. She also enjoyed going to the beach with her family and going out to eat with her friends.

Detra is survived by her husband, James H. Norman of Avondale; son, Demetrius Brison; daughter, Dontia Brison of Avondale; granddaughter, Oceana Brison; grandsons, Kori Rodchester and Eric Brison Hernandez; brothers, Mitchell A. Brison, Sr. (Catherine) of Kennett Square, John H. Patton Jr. of Coatesville; sisters, Linda L. Jones (Rusty) of Cheltenham PA, June A. Patton of Wilmington, DE; sister-in-law Judy Brison of Reading; aunts, Marshia Carter of VA and Lillian Davis of PA; nieces, Yolanda Hall (Rodney), Michelle Sampson(Staccato), Anissa Pinder (Harry); three great nieces; two great nephews; two great great nieces; four great great nephews and a host of cousins on her father’s side. On her mother’s side, she is survived by nieces, Holly Stewart (Stan), Kierstyn Ryan (Brent), Shante Diaz, LaKia Rollins; nephews, Chris Jones (Karen), Allan Brison, Brock Brison (Megan), Phillip Brison Jr. (Little Phil), Tylere Diaz; 9 great nieces; 7 great nephews and one great grandson on the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Phillip M. Brison, Sr. and a sister, Virginia Pinder (Russell) of MD.

Detra will be deeply missed. We will cherish her memory in our hearts.

A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Grace and Mercy Ministries Apostolic Church, 220 Chatham Street, in Avondale, PA. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Red Cross or the American Kidney Foundation.

Click here on Wednesday, August 12th at 9:45 AM EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle or share a picture in her remembrance.