Elwood Norman Jr.

Elwood Norman Jr., 102, entered eternal life on December 7, 2018.  He was one of 13 children of the late Elwood Sr. and Ellen Hedgebeth Norman.  He was born March 8, 1916, in Roper (Washington County), NC.

Elwood was always inquisitive and learned to be successful at many tasks.  Although he was not a high school graduate, he taught himself carpentry and has repaired everything in houses and churches.  He did some electrical work, plumbing, roofing, plastering, laying linoleum, carpet, and painting.  He fixed washing machines, gas stoves, and repaired many car problems.  We called him a “Jack of all Trades.”

When he left his father’s farm in the late 1930’s, he secured employment at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth.  He retired in 1955, not wanting to continue in nuclear energy work.

Elwood’s daughter Margaret Sykes and grandson Richard Sykes both preceded him in death.  He has 4 grandsons, and one granddaughter.  He was married in 1939 to his lovely wife Essie Marie Holley Norman, who passed away in 1995.  They were the parents of Bertha Mae Booker of the home.

Elwood was baptized in his youth in the Shiloh Disciple Church of God in Christ, Roper, NC.  When he moved to Portsmouth in the early 1940’s, he attended Brighton Rock AME Zion Church for many years.  In his early years he sang in the choir, ushered, and served on the Trustee board.  He later joined Providence AME Zion Church in the 1990’s.  He was a faithful member and continued to serve on the usher board.

Elwood was a kind and gentle person who believed in helping his neighbors.  It was not uncommon to see him cutting the neighbor’s grass, running to doctors’ offices, pharmacies, or to the grocery store for the elderly.  He always had good advice and encouragement for younger people.

At the present age of 102, his life was a testament to the goodness of God.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, from 12 noon to 8 pm at the funeral home and the family will also receive friends there from 6 pm to 7 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 11 am at Providence AME Zion Church, 1141 Mt. Vernon Ave., Portsmouth, VA  23707.  Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, 1101 Campostella Rd., Chesapeake.