Obituary of Preston Norman

Preston Norman, Sr. Preston Norman, Sr., was born on January 16, 1935 in Jacksonville, Tennessee to his parents, Elcue LeVance Norman and Zula Mae (Forrest) Norman, born the second child of ten children. Deacon Norman accepted Christ at an early age and began attending London Brach Church in Brownsville, Tennessee. Deacon Norma was strong minded as well as willed in his ideals of life and begins residing in the home of his grandmother leaving his (10) brothers and sisters. He decided to head east to the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. There he obtained employment at a well known package manufacturing firm. At the age of 17, he made an unexpected turn on 91st Street in South Chicago, where he met the love of his life Dorothy. She was 15 years old. After 2 years of courtship they were married on October 2, 1954. In 1967, after the birth of their second son, they relocated their residence from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois and headed west to Los Angeles, California which was not an easy task leaving such a large and loving family on both sides. In California he attended True Gospel Baptist Church and later moved their membership to Fellowship of Jesus Christ where he was baptized in Jesus Name. In 1972 the family joined Bethlehem Temple Church under the leadership of the late Bishop William L. Smith. There Deacon Norman was filled with Holy Ghost on November 24, 1974. At Bethlehem he served in many areas of the ministry, to name a few; bus driver, janitor as well as head Deacon, he was also a member of the group the Soul Lifter. At times he would sing one of his favorite tunes, "When the Lord get ready, you got to move." Deacon Norman was faithful to his post at all times. Deacon Norman was employed for many years as a Steel Worker in which he retired from in 1983, and began giving his full time working in the church as a Deacon. In 2002, Deacon Norman moved his membership along with his family to Praise Tabernacle Community Church where his son District Elder Preston Norman, Jr., is the Pastor. Deacon Norman continued to be faithful at PTCC and was faithful to prayer meeting, Bible study, District meetings, and every service that was going on at the church. He also served on the Executive Board. As time went on Deacon Norman's health began to slow down, but not enough to stop him from attending every service that went on at church. On June 1, 2011, Deacon Norman's residence was transferred to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Norman; sons, District Elder Preston Norman, Jr., (Diane), Ronnie Norman; daughter, Cherrell Norman; grandchildren, Minister DeAndre (Janell), Preston III (Tiphanie); Nicholas and Taneka, Danzel Mckinley, Roland Vines; 8 great-grandchildren; God-daughter, Tiara Daniels. His brothers and sisters; Perry (Barbara June) Norman; Lillie Peppers; Odell (Mary) Norman; Odessa (Norman) Berry; Eula M. (Freddie) Askew, and Jim (Vernell) Norman; uncle, John E. Harris of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law, Emma Washington of Chicago, IL; brother-in-laws, Arthur Washington (Georgia) of Los Angeles, CA; Levere Washington of Chicago, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also to acknowledge, Bethlehem Temple Church Family of Los Angeles, CA. and Praise Tabernacle Community Church Family. Homegoing Celebration was held Friday, June 10, 2011 at Bethlehem Temple Community Church, Rialto, Ca. Deacon Preston Norman, Sr., was laid to rest at San Gorgonio Memorial Park, Banning. Arrangements entrusted to Wiefels and Son, Banning, CA.