After graduating from Madisonville High School, she attended Hiwassee College and graduated with her Associate of Arts Degree. During WWII, she joined the W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services) and served from 1944-1946 as Yeoman, 3rd class. Her love for her family and her faith in God was and will always be remembered as an inspiration for all. She was a member of Central Baptist Church, Bearden where she served as a past deacon.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Millard Norman; parents, A.L. and Stella Greenwood.
Irene leaves behind her children, Sandi Gray, Amy and Lloyd Richardson, Dan, 3rd and Angie Hicks; grandchildren and spouses: Shellie Gray, Jessica and Shawn Killebrew, Vince and Amanda Gray, Erin and David Bridges, Julia and Chris Winegar, Jacob Hicks, Alana Hicks, Dan Hicks IV, Rob and Rachel Bettis, Sara Claire Sharp-Keach and Walker Keach; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; as well as devoted caregiver Linda Headrick.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00 PM Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. Family and friends will immediately proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for interment following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Norman family.