Norman was born July 23, 1942, in Glenmora, Louisiana, the son of Shelby Leroy Gordon and Opal Mayo Gordon. He grew up in Melder, Louisiana, and attended Oak Hill School in Hineston, Louisiana. At Oak Hill, Norman met his future wife, Sherry Johnson. Norman as a young boy was known for standing on his head on the playground—an act that sparked Sherry’s early admiration.
Norman and Sherry were married on August 29, 1963, at her home in Sieper, Louisiana. They shared 58 wonderful years together until Sherry’s passing on January 18, 2022.
Norman was known for his steadfast dedication to his family, his sharp legal mind, and his deep faith. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was boundless, matched only by his commitment to serving his community and his Lord.
Norman is survived by his three sons: Stephen Gordon, Paul Gordon, and Daniel Gordon. Norman is also survived by his daughters-in-law: Stephen’s wife Sheralyn McFaul Gordon, Paul’s wife Brianna Tobin Gordon, and Daniel’s wife Jenifer Pierson Gordon. Norman was blessed with, and is survived by, nine grandchildren: Stephen’s sons Timothy, Matthew, Thomas, and Andrew; Paul’s children Evan and Molly; and Daniel’s sons Grant, Micah, and Levi.
Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry Johnson Gordon. He was also preceded in death by his parents Shelby Leroy Gordon and Opal Mayo Gordon, and by his brother Shelby Gene Gordon and his wife Clydine Cooper Gordon; and by his sister Frankie Gordon Hilton and her husband A.C. Hilton; and by his brother-in-laws, Carl Rodney Crews, Sr. and Gaines Smith.
Norman is survived by his beloved baby sister Jo Lynn Gordon Crews Smith and her children Rodney, Keith, and Crystal, and their children. He is survived by Shelby Gene and Clydine’s children Brian, David, and John, and their children and grandchildren. Norman is also survived by his brother-in-law Thomas Wayne Ivey and his wife Judy; and by his two nieces Lana Ivey Allen and Lisa Ivey Wooten and their children and grandchildren.
Norman’s life was marked by service and adventure. After marrying Sherry, he was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force, serving with distinction in Washington State, Washington D.C., and in the Panama Canal Zone. It was in the Canal Zone where Norman and Sherry became parents when their oldest son Stephen was born. Following his honorable discharge, Norman returned to alma mater, LSU, to attend law school in Baton Rouge. Throughout Norman’s time in law school the family was supported by Sherry’s tireless efforts as a schoolteacher. He established his law practice in Shreveport in 1973, where he served the community with integrity for 44 years.
In 1974, Norman and Sherry purchased their home on Hallmark Drive in Shreveport, where they raised their family with love and care. Their son Paul was born in 1975, and their youngest son Daniel was born in 1977. In 1980, Norman and Sherry purchased the property in Keithville where they would later build their final home together. They loved to host parties for their church family at “the farm”.
Norman cherished the time spent with Sherry in the countryside of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, where they built a cabin on the Little Missouri River in 1999. This cabin became a haven for family, friends, and church groups for over twenty years.
Norman was a devoted member and ordained deacon of Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport, where he worshiped and served alongside Sherry for many years. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. He is both preceded in death and is survived by many wonderful Christian brothers and sisters at Brookwood and beyond - too many to list - but each he held dear in his heart. He is preceded in death by one special brother-in-Christ, Gerald Brumley, who ministered to him greatly and faithfully until his own passing in 2024.
The nature of Norman’s final illness slowly diminished his ability to recall most things, but he remained a loving father for his children until the end.
Visitation will be held at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport on April 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brookwood Missions through Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport.
But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory. WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
