Carmen Lonelle Norman

Carmen Lonelle Norman of Acworth, GA passed away May 4, 2017 after a long illness. She was born in Paragould, Arkansas to Floyd Russell and Clara Odell Walden, and lived in Missouri, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Florida prior to moving to Dogwood Forest of Acworth in July 2014. She was married to the late J. A. Norman for 61 years prior to his death in 2003. She was a homemaker for most of her life; however, she worked in an ammunition factory as an inspector during World War II. She also was a restaurant manager for several years and successfully completed nursing training. She loved life and all the people she could fit into it. In 1985, the Normans moved to Oak Bend Retirement Community in Ocala, FL, where she loved to swim, play shuffleboard, play all kinds of games, and go out with the neighbors for those fun Thursday night dinners. She served Oak Bend with distinction, holding numerous positions of leadership in the governing body of the Community. In 2014, Carmen decided to move closer to family and chose Dogwood Forest of Acworth as her new home. She was the first prospective resident to tour the unfinished facility in April 2014. She was the facility’s first resident when it opened in July 2014 and was the only resident there on the first night. She therefore is lovingly called “The First Lady.” Carmen was a great Ambassador for Dogwood Forest, telling everyone who would listen how much she loved her new home. She cheerfully welcomed prospective residents to her apartment and shared with them all the things she loved about Dogwood Forest. Carmen made friends easily and leaves many dear friends among both the residents and staff of Dogwood Forest. She was an active member of East Cobb United Methodist Church in Marietta, where she regularly attended the Tuesday Morning Bible Study and was a proud member of the Friendship Class. Carmen is survived by four children: Sandra (Rev. Jim) Perry of Kennesaw, Rev. Stanley (Susan) Norman of Sandpoint, ID, Sherry (Joseph) Bryant of Mainville, OH, and Stephen (Marlene) Norman of Germantown, TN. Nine grandchildren: Becky Perry of GA, Gwen Perry of AL, Jamie Perry(Susanne) of GA, Derek Norman of TX, Patrick Norman of ID, Daniel Bryant of OH, Jonathan (Sharon) Bryant of IL, Tyler (Taylor) Norman of TX, and Tara Norman of Germantown, TN. There are 5 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary of East Cobb United Methodist Church, 2325 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary with Rev. Nanci Hicks and Rev. Jim Perry officiating. Interment will be Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 11:30 AM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with Rev. Stanley Norman, and Rev. Jim Perry officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to East Cobb United Methodist Church, 2325 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062 www.eastcobbumc.org 770-971-3643; or to AmityCare Foundation, 161 Village Parkway, Building 7, Marietta, GA 30067 www.amitycarehospice.com 678-402-5235. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta will be handling the arrangements. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Carmen Lonelle Norman

March 3, 1924 - May 4, 2017