Mrs. Lisha Sanders-Middleton

Lisha Norman was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 1, 1973, to the late Louise Marie Carson and the late Clarence Tappin Norman.   She was the youngest of eleven children and was affectionately known as the baby of the Carson bunch.  She departed this earthly journey on December 17, 2021.

As the youngest, Lisha was everyone’s baby and she took that role very seriously.  As the baby, she was spoiled beyond measure, which in turn made her LOVE hard and be protective over all her family and friends.   She was introduced to the Lord at a young age through World Impact Bible Clubs, where she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Also, as a small child, Lisha loved animals, especially cats. She often spoke to the animals and knew when our family’s cats were due to have litters of kittens.  She also walked around the neighborhood purring and singing the “Meow-Mix” commercial jingle.  She would playfully “meow” and “purr” so much that family and friends called her a cat and all her family and friends would gift her with cat-themed paraphernalia during her birthdays and special occasions.   

Lisha was educated in the Newark Public School System, attending Cleveland Elementary, Roseville Elementary, and Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School.  As a graduate of Newark’s Barringer High School, Lisha was well-known as part of the Mighty Blue Bears family, where she made lasting friendships with so many that remained throughout.  She pursued her college education at Essex County Vocational/Technical School of Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey and received her certification in Practical Nursing.  Lisha worked in that field within the Newark, NJ area as an LPN and later worked in medical billing. She later became a traveling nurse in the South Carolina area.   Throughout her career, she worked for many medical doctors and for Blue Cross Blue Shield. At the time of her passing she was employed by Verizon Wireless as Customer Service Specialist Advocate.  She was loved by many co-workers who became her life-long friends because of her infectious personality.

Lisha was a loving mom to four children.  In 2013, she made Columbia, SC home for herself and her two minor sons.  There in 2015, she met her soul mate who has truly been her greatest supporter and knight in shining armor, Mr. Brian R. Middleton.  In 2018 they exchanged their marriage vows, “for better or worse…and…in sickness and health.” Lisha rededicated her life to the Lord and joined Zion Hill Baptist Church of Columbia, SC, where her husband Brian served as Minister of Music.  In 2020, she and Brian relocated to Greenville, SC for work and provide themselves a more loving and stable family home.  When Lisha was initially diagnosed with breast cancer, her husband, Brian, understood his assignment and lovingly cared for Lisha just as Christ loved the church.  His sweet, tender, and compassionate care for Lisha in their battle against the formidable foe of cancer drew them closer to each other and God.  Though the disease traveled throughout her body, it did not ravish her soul and she resolved to pursue treatment until such time that the Lord called her home.   Now, Lisha is resting, safely and free from pain in the Lord’s arms.

Lisha was determined to celebrate her life to the fullest.  Her friends came from near and far during her last two years to love on her and to be with her for various milestones on the road to recovery.  She celebrated small progress along the way and was sure to spend quality time with her close family when she knew her time was ending on this earth.  In November 2021, she urged her husband to drive her 9 hours to and from Virginia to see her daughter, grandchildren, sisters, and brother for the last time.  There, she was able to hug her grandbabies and her children and spend time with more than 24 of her family members.  She joined in the fun—making jokes and moving to the music in the midst of her weakness.  She then visited with her eldest sister, god-mother, and friends—maintaining hope and faith in God’s will for her life.  Within weeks of seeing all her close loved ones, Lisha quietly prepared her heart and mind to see the Lord.  Lisha transitioned quietly in Spartanburg, SC on December 17, 2021.

In addition to her parents, Lisha was preceded in death by her siblings, Larisa Jo Carson, Luana Jerilyn Carson, and Laurence Jamaal Carson; maternal grandparents, Floyd Lee and Edward Carson; paternal grandparents, Geneva and Russell Norman; and godmother, Lori.

Lisha leaves to cherish her memories on this earth her loving husband, Brian R. Middleton; loving daughters, Szelia Lishay Norman and Qua’Niesha Smith; loving sons, Abdul Wali Sanders, Jr., and Myles Ali Sanders; six grandchildren, Michael, Milani, Mia, Tyree, Tyler and True; siblings, Laronda Carson of SC, Laurine Carson of VA, Lamont Carson of NJ, Lanita Jones of SC, LaVonne Carson of IN, Lauretta Perkinson of NJ, Lynette (Emmanuel) Carson-Rayam, Carmen Clemons, Traci Marshall, Calrence Norman, and Russell Norman all of CA; parents-in-law, Billy Ray Middleton, Sr. and Carolyn Huffman-Middleton; brothers-in-law, Emmanuel Rayam, Carlos (Nikki) Jones, and Billu Ray (Genefer) Middleton, Jr.; sister-in-law, Albany D. Huffman; maternal aunt, Karlene Smith of GA, godparents, Jervis and Beverly Malikah Williamson-Albert of Durham, NC; god-siblings, Angalisa Brittlebank, Shakirah Williamson and Calib Thomas; godchildren, Sanaa Hale, Fontesia Baptiste, Lamya and Lakya Bullock, Samaria Sims, Talib and Mikel Dozier, Donovan White, Jeremiah “Jay” Sims, and Maurice Giles; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, along with other loving relatives and caring friends all of whom will miss her dearly.

As Lisha was the life of the party here on earth, she is now walking and dancing on streets of gold with Jesus today.  Rest on dear Lisha—there is no more poking, prodding, and medical trials or treatments.  Cancer has no victory of you. 

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