Norma Jean Grice Alexander was born on August 2, 1953, in Baldw y n, Mississippi. She was the first child of Lillie Mae Grice. Her formative years were rooted in family, the Christian Church and school.

As a student , Norma excelled in both elementary and high school. Her favorite teacher in high school was Mrs. Bessie Stewart and her basketball coach in high school called her " Skeet " . Norma was a 1971 graduate of Lee Prentiss High School in Baldwyn, MS. She was awarded a full scholarship to T ou galoo College where she double majored in African American studies and French. In 1973, as a junior she was awarded a year abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. However, she did not want to be so far from home, but the real reason for her not wanting to leave was because she had met a Viet Nam veteran studying on a GI bill. In November in 1972, Sigismund (Sigi) Walker Alexander drove up to Baldw y n to propose to Norma and Mrs. Grice, fortunately, both accepted the proposal.

Norma and Sigi were married at the home of her aunt and uncle, Tommie Lee and Virginia Grice.  While attending college Norma pledged the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She graduated with high honors in 1975 and that same year she started working as a news clipper at the state of Mississippi Department of Communication. Later that year , they welcomed the arrival of Khari Kamau Alexander, their first child.  Also, that year her employer became the Research and Development Center for the state of Mississippi. As an analyst , her responsibilities included leading international delegation site visits, writing speeches for the Governor and Secretary of State, developing and implementing special projects.

On March 3, 1981, Norma and Sigi welcomed their second child, Sigis mund Walker Alexander ,II Their family was completed with the birth of Jami a n Sol Alexander in 1987.

In 1987, Norma was the Mississippi Chairperson of the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars UNCF Telethon. In that year, Mississippi led the nation in donations. In 1989, she transferred to the Department of Economic and Community Development and was there until her retirement in 2000. In the interim, Norma received a master ' s degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Geriatrics from Jackson State University in 1989. I n 2008, Norma was a Mississippi State delegate for Barack Obama.

In 2018, Norma was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease , but she continued her activities by participating in the Central Methodist Church Choir. She also was the founder of the Farish Street Festival. In the community , she co-wrote the grant for the refurbishment of Medgar Evers ' home, prior to it becom ing a national monument.

In July 2021, Norma made her transition while in Logansville , Georgia where she and her husband were living with their son, Jami a n and his family.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 49 years , Sigismund, and her sons, Khari, Sigismund II (T ia wana), Jami a n (Cherokee); her grandchildren, Heaven, Dabria, Haylei, Amari, C h ase, Mar cia , Jamei Sa i ge and Channing; her siblings Gloria Grice Boyd (Larry), Lesha Agnew (Willis) , Patsy McGaha (Murry) , Penny Kyles , Peggy Grice , Travis Grice , Tracy Grice (Priscilla), Greg Key (Linda), Mattie Knowles (Donald) and Evelyn Key ; her sisters- in-law, Marion Coleman and Margaret Williams, her brother-in-law, James (Patricia); numerous nieces , nephews , cousins, and a multitude of friends.