Gospel artist Shea Norman of Memphis dead at 45

Condolences flooded social media Friday over the loss of Shea Norman, a gospel singer and Memphis native whose voice many said would soothe the soul.

Family and associates confirmed Norman's Thursday death at the age of 45. It was attributed to diabetes.

Norman, whose real name was Alen VonShea Norman, began a career in gospel music in 2004. His album, My Heart Depends On You, put him on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart at No. 17. His single, Tis So Sweet, was included on the WOW Gospel 2005 compilation album.

"As you've heard me say before, THANK YOU for being one of my REAL FRIENDS bro!!" tweeted Jason Clark, a music producer and executive director of the Tennessee Mass Choir.

"In 1995, I went to a concert at Progressive M.B. Church ..." Fredrick Edwards wrote on Facebook. "I witnessed for the first time Shea Norman with his sisters Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Risse Norman sing! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Like, how is it possible for a family to sing like this. I was instantly in love with the Norman family!"

Added Adrian Davis on Facebook: "Remember going to Whitehaven District Choir at Middle Baptist Whitehaven in the early '90s and being mesmerized by the musicianship of this guy named Shea Norman. Changed my musical world."

Many noted the double loss this week of Norman and Bernal Smith II, president and publisher of the New Tri-State Defender. Smith, also 45, died Sunday. 

"Often times, a timeline is just too much to handle," wrote Leticia Ross on Facebook. "Rest well, my friends Shea Norman and Bernal II Smith."

Services for Smith are at noon today at Mt. Vernon Baptist Baptist Church-Westwood, 620 Parkrose Road.

Arrangements have not been completed for Norman.