Norma Carcamo

On a cool December day in the district of Dangriga, formally Stann Creek, the world welcomed Norma Helen Carcamo,born on Tuesday, December 29, 1925. She was the fourth of nine siblings, who have all preceded her in death. Her birth was an addition of a beautiful baby girl born to Percival Levi known as (Percy) and Caroline Alberta Carcamo, fondly known as (Auntie Kel).
Norma lovingly known as “Diggs” was always surrounded with absolute love and core values within the family. At a tender age of 9-months, she shared her childhood, adolescent and young adult life with the loving care of the Buller family. By the early age of 5 she attended Annette Maheia private school, in Belize. She then went on to attend preparatory school at a lovely rate of twenty-five cents a month.
Norma’s exquisite work principles and responsibilities were grandly acquired during her time growing up helping with the family restaurant and ice cream parlor. Her distinct discipline and work ethic also helped land her first job working as an associate at Vogue Department store near Bridgefoot, Belize. However her dreams, desires and ambition was always to travel to America (the States)! Shortly thereafter she gave birth to her first born and only daughter, Sonia Mae Clarke-Shumate born in Belize City, Belize.
As she found new endeavors and after her migration to the United States of America, she met James Diggs, Sr. and from that union came her second child and only son, James (Jimmy) Norman. Diggs, Jr., who preceded her in death.
Norma Helen developed and has always had a strong desire and love for culinary arts. She was a very distinguished baker and cook, which led her to perform extensive skilled baking and decorating. She graciously contributed and blessed many with her beautiful and eminent talent and served many weddings, birthdays, and special events.
Within the year of 1965, she was employed by The Los Angeles Times Headquarters in Downtown LA., where she began her career in the facilities and custodial department. In December 1990, she retired after 25 years of service. Norma’s commitment, strong faith and dedication of her time, talent and treasures led her to be a dedicated member of The Holy Innocents Catholic Church, in Victorville, Ca, where she thoroughly enjoyed her church family. Her neighbors and friends were a constant reminder of what she believed in as a Christian to love, care, and give as Christ did. Set in her disciplined ways, she kept her routine of weekly calls to her daughter, Sonia, grandchildren, her dear goddaughter, Nicole Cleland-Davis and her loving nephew, Eric Parks. She never missed a night of prayer with her sweet sister and prayer partner,
Dr. Jeanette Parish, even in her last day on this side of heaven.
Norma was an example of someone who loved and served God. She in her own ways taught the younger generation what hard work and being steadfast was like. No matter what, she remained independent and cared for herself, rarely asking for help. She was a pillar of strength and a phenomenal example of genuine life principles that one can live by eternally.
After 94 years of life, Norma heard the voice of the Lord and decided to trade her walking shoes for wings. Norma, also known as “Grandma”, “Binga” and sometimes known as
“Nono”, will be greatly missed. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Sonia Mae Shumate Sr. (Elder Noah Shumate Jr.), loving daughter-in law Deanna Diggs. Grand-children, Tyffany Shumate (Sean Mitchell), Darnel Diggs (Kayla Diggs), Devin Diggs, Janaye Diggs, Donovan Diggs and DeAndre Diggs. Great-grandchildren, Kiera Imani Mitchell and Elijah James Diggs. Sisters, Doret Buller-Levert, Lee Buller-Miguel, Jeanette Buller-Parish and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Percival Levi and Caroline Alberta Carcamo, her son James N. Diggs, her beautiful granddaughter Sonia Mae Shumate Jr. Siblings, Evadnie Moore, Winston Carcamo, Gwendolyn Carcamo, Lloyd Carcamo, Calbert Carcamo, Lorna Marshall, Isabel Belisle, Godwin Maitland and Roy Cleland. Her mother Esteline Buller and sister, Grace Buller.

She gave up her earthly home to be with her eternal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, may she rest in peace.