“Come unto Me all ye that labour…” – Matthew. 11:28

Services for Norvell Breland, 79, of Picayune will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M.  Reverend Louis Thomas, Sr. will officiate at the service. Rev. Donald Parker is pastor.

Norvell Hill Breland was born in Picayune, Miss. to the late Pollie Bridges Hill and Major Hill on October 26, 1934.  She was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School Class of 1954.  She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Matthew Baptist Church and later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Louis Thomas, Sr. At Bethlehem Norvell was a faithful member until her health began to fail; she served in the Mission Auxiliary.

Norvell united in Holy Matrimony to J. L. Breland and to this union three children were born.

Norvell began her lifelong career of 45 years with Mississippi Action for Progress (MAP), Inc. in 1967 as an Assistant Teacher for the Picayune Headstart Center.  Later in her employment she moved into Family Services as a Licensed Social Worker.   Norvell truly loved her job and was able to put a smile on anyone’s face that entered her office. While at Picayune Head Start Center she served as lead Family Case Worker and traveled throughout the region training new Family Case Workers at various centers.  Norvell faithfully fulfilled her obligations as a Family Case Worker until sickness came upon her. It was one of the most difficult decisions she ever had to make, but for the first time in 45 years, she put herself first and decided to retire. Her presence was truly missed by fellow co-workers, children, and parents.

Norvell departed her earthly existence for her eternal home on Friday, July 18, 2014 at Highland Community Hospital in Picayune, MS surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pollie and Major Hill; her brother, Johnny Hill; and her only son, Donald Breland.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her husband, J. L. Breland; two daughters, Felicia D. Breland and Jennifer L. Breland, both of Picayune; two sisters, Bernice Hill Paptiste, of New York and Barbara Ann Lawton, of Picayune; five grandchildren, Donna (Eljin) Franklin, of Baton Rouge, La., Corey Breland, Torey Breland, and Key’aya Breland, all of Picayune, MS, and Amia Butler, of Bogalusa; two sisters-in-law, Jacquline Breland, and Florence Clark, both of Picayune; three lifelong friends, Weader Magee, Mary Helen Johnson, and Helen Taylor, all of Picayune, MS; a special friend/co-worker, Tiffany Magee-Batiste, of Picayune, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. And a special God-daughter, Eva Jackson.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.  Interment will be in Picayune Cemetery. Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home.