Matthew Norwood was born September 8, 2000, to David Terrence and Ekandrea Delaine Norwood in Huntsville, AL. He was a happy child full of talent and energy. At an early age was baptized by Pastor Ernest L. Williams, Sr. at Mt. Zion M.B. Church in Toney, AL. Through his younger years Matthew held active involvement in the church, constantly expressing how much he enjoyed singing in the Angelic Voices of Praise Youth Choir. His favorite song to sing and lead was “He’s Able.”
Matthew later gained an additional church family at Pineview Baptist Church in Harvest, AL. Through his participation in AWANAS, he continued to flourish in his work for the Lord sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had much passion attending various youth events. These events included Bible Camp, volunteering, going on Missionary trips, performing in VBS, and playing the drums each Sunday.
When it came to sports Matthew was a natural athlete. He played various sports with a consistent focus on football, basketball, and baseball. Above all, basketball was Matthew’s favorite sport where he was an aggressive defensive player and point guard on offense. He was a 92% free-throw shooter and 93% 3-point shooter during his participation in the Blue Water Springs Recreational League. Matthew had a strong desire of one day playing in the NBA and Steph Curry has been his favorite player since first mentioned. We could hardly keep Matthew inside whether it was outside until the sun went down, or away with others that enjoyed the game of basketball.
Artistically, he was driven passionately by music and dance. Matthew and his siblings danced at North Alabama Dance Center through the arts of ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. He participated in dance competitions and was selected as a protégé his last year of dance. Also, Matthew dedicated long hours to writing, freestyling, editing, choregraphing, and creating productions in a self-taught manner. These formats of content creation were utilized to share his love for music and dance with the world. Lil’ Woda was his chosen rap name and can be seen across his multiple social media platforms.
Matthew’s educational journey began with homeschooling taught by his mother and matriculated to Sparkman High School and graduated in 2020. Upon graduation he dedicated himself to his musical career.
Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfather, Arthur Delaine of Cuba, AL.
He leaves to cherish his memory- Parents: David and Ekandrea Norwood, Toney, AL; three brothers: Christopher, Jonathan, and Arthur-Tae-Sean; three sisters: Jazmine Maxwell, Tiffany, and Angela; love of his life, Alijah St. Amand; Grandmother, Johnnie Hunter Delaine, Cuba, AL; Grandmother Eunice S. Norwood, Huntsville, AL; one aunt, Laundria (Paul) Brown, Mobile, AL, two uncles, Reginald (Evon) Miller, Kennesaw, GA, Dmitri (Debra) Norwood, Huntsville, AL; great-aunt Agnes Maye of Toney, AL; niece Jazlyn Maxwell: nephew Lynnox Maxwell, god-nephew Breland Graham; many great-aunts and a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (710 Dan Crutcher Road Toney, AL 35773) with Pastor Ernest L. Williams officiating. Mr. Norwood will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Cagus Cemetery, Cuba, AL.
The Norwood family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, and 8:30 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
