Smokie Norful Biography
Smokie Norful is an American gospel singer, pianist, pastor, artist, writer, and entrepreneur who is best known for his 2002 album, I Need You Now and Nothing Without You. This album won a Grammy at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album in 2004.
Pastor Smokie spent his early life in Muskogee and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later on, he relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. While there, he attended Jack Robey Junior High School and Pine Bluff High School. He then joined the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Furthermore, he received formal training in ministry at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Later, he graduated with a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield.
Norful worked as a history teacher for seven years at Jack Robey Junior High School, Pine Bluff High School, and Evanston Township High School. Moreover, he served for two years as the educational director for the Pine Bluff Housing Authority after-school program. He also served as a board member of Regents for Trinity International University.
Smokie Norful Church
In 1997, Smokie got ordained an elder and licensed to be a preacher. He then started serving as a youth pastor, minister of music, and associate minister of St. John AME Church, Pine Bluff. Norful also served internationally as a worship leader for the connectional youth department of the AME church.
Currently, Pastor Smokie serves as the pastor of the Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook. In September 2005, he officially launched Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook. Since its launch, the church has experienced extraordinary growth in the community.
On September 28, 2008, he launched a second campus on the south side of Chicago which has shown a similar trend in its growth.
Currently, he is an internationally renowned musician, recording artist, and music composer. His debut album, I Need You Now and Smokie Norful Limited Edition gave him awards across the world. One of his notable awards is the 2005 Grammy Award for Contemporary Soul Gospel Album of the year.
Smokie Norful Age
Pastor Norful is 48 years old as of October 2023. He was born Willie Ray Norful, Jr. on October 31, 1975, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas Muskogee, Oklahoma, the United States of America. In addition, he celebrates his birthday every 31st day of October.
Smokie Norful Wife
Norful is happily married to his wife, Carla Norful, a former school teacher and social worker. She owns and manages several businesses in real estate, publishing, and entertainment.
Smokie Norful Children
Pastor Norful and his wife Carla are blessed with three beautiful kids; two sons: Ashton Norful and Tré Norful, and a daughter Ashley Norful.
Smokie Norful Family | Parents
Pastor Smokie was born to his father Reverend W.R. Norful and mother Teresa Norful. He has two siblings brothers whose names are not yet available in the public domain. However, we are keeping tabs to update this field as soon as possible.
Smokie Norful Net Worth
Norful has a net worth of $3 million, an amount attributed to his successful career as a gospel singer, songwriter, pastor, pianist, artist, writer, entrepreneur, and businessman.
Pastor Smokie House
Norful has a well-built house located in Chicago, Lake Michigan, Illinois, the United States of America.
Smokie Norful Books
- 2014: Forever Yours
- 2012: Once in a Lifetime
- 2011: How I Got Over…Songs That Carried Us
- 2009: Smokie Norful Live
- 2006: Life-Changing
- 2005: Nothing Without You Special Edition CD+DVD
- 2004: Nothing Without You
- 2003: I Need You Now: Limited Edition
- 2002: I Need You Now