Jones W. Norman, Jr. age 96 , formerly of Trogdon Drive, Eden, passed away on Monday morning August 2, 2010 at Hospice of Rockingham County. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. The son of the late Jones Warren and Loula Kemp Norman , he was born in Leaksville (now Eden) on September 13, 1913. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Anne Kinard Norman, one brother; William, and two sisters; Blanche Norman and Madeline Norman. Jones retired from Fieldcrest Mills as Personnel Director after 51 years of service. An active member of Leaksville United Methodist Church, he served in many positions over the years. He enjoyed his Men's Sunday school class and helping out in the church kitchen. Mr. Norman was instrumental in bringing the Salvation Army to Eden and served as board chairman and volunteer. He received the William Booth Award for his service. For his active role in the Eden Rotary he received the Paul Harris Fellow award. Jones Norman's Leaksville and Eden political career covered 26 years of service (1955 -1981), serving 16 years as council member and 10 years as Eden's first elected mayor. His greatest accomplishment came with working with the community leaders for the unification of the three towns ( Leaksville, Spray, and Draper). The three towns became Eden on his birthday September 13, 1967. His efforts in bringing Miller Brewing to Eden were rewarded with the N.C. Industrial Development Volunteer of the Year Award in 1977. Eden voters learned over the years Mayor Norman governed with a firm but fair hand. Voters expected his frank answers and you could believe what he told you. He has held Eden News Readers Choice Award for years as best Ex-Mayor. He is survived by a brother F. Guerrant Norman and wife Lois of Eden; son, W. Lee Norman and wife Jane; two grandchildren, Kristen N. McNeill and husband Randy, and Katherine N. Gilbert and husband Jeff and five great-grandchildren, Meredith McNeill, Jordan McNeill, Hannah Gilbert, Callison Gilbert and Noah Gilbert all of Greensboro. The family wishes to thank the numerous friends who supported Jones through many visits during years of declining health. A special thanks to the staff of Morehead Nursing Home, Dr. M. Anwar, and Dr. M. Javaid for the compassionate care they provided. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 til 2:00 pm on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial conntributions are made to the Leaksville United Methodist Church, 603 Henry St. Eden, NC 27288, Hospice of Rockingham County, Po Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375 or to the Salvation Army, 314 Morgan Rd., Eden, NC 27288.
Lee,Jane and family, our prayers are with you at this time. Jones was a dear neighbor and long time friend and we will cherish all the happy memories. Ted and Sadie
Ted and Sadie Turner
I had the opportunity to work with Jones when I came to Karastan as a Management Trainee in the early 1980's. He was a wonderful mentor and taught us by his example how to treat people with respect and work with honesty and integrity. He left a lasting legacy at Karastan and the City of Eden.
Scott Mair
So sorry for your lose , Mr.Norman was such a sweet and kind man !!Meet him when I worked at the Salvation Army , such a pleasant person to be around .. Your're in my prayers ...
cynthia broadnax
Our deepest sympathy to your family. My dad considered Mr. Norman a dear friend and a respected co-worker.
Henry Crowder family
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Norman, He was a great civic leader, and a gentleman. Our prayers are with the family at this time. Pastor Jim Norman
Northside Baptist Church
Please accept our sincerest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Norman. I worked with Mr. Norman when he was the Mayor and he was a fine, gentle man. He loved to talk about his wife with me and there are things I think about or see that still remind me of our conversations at City Hall. My Mother, Odessa Thompson, also sends her deepest sympathy to you all. She served with Mr. Norman when the three towns consolidated on the Board of Commissioners in 1967. We all had a deep respect for him. Our community has lost a fine man, but our loss is Heaven's gain. God bless you now and in the future days to come.
Debbie Thompson Horton & Odessa Thompson
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Jones. He was a fine person. My prayers are with the family. Faye Carter City of Eden Retiree
Faye Carter
There are so many good things to say about my Uncle Jones. It's evident when you read the condolences others have written. He was the kindest, sweetest person, and would do anything he could to help someone in need. I am so glad to have spoken to him a couple of weeks before his death, but sorry I could not be there to honor his life at his funeral. He is a dear memory of my childhood as well as later in life as an adult. He, hopefully, has taught us all how to be a better person. Love to all the family, Lura
Lura Hammock
Very sorry to hear of John's death. I remember him clearly from when I was young. I know he accomplished a lot in his life and is to be remembered. best regards
Ken Kinard
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of Jones W. Norman, Jr.:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
