Jones W. Norman, Jr.

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.