She was born September 2, 1928 in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley to the late Theodore and Eda Griffith Tate.
Norma graduated from Whitwell High School and went to work with Provident for several years. She retired from Suntrust Bank after 15 years of service. She was a long time member of the Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member of the Friendship Class and the Women’s Ministry.
Norma loved having the family gather on holidays, birthdays, or just a Wednesday night for a dinner of her delicious chicken and dumplings and pecan pie. Norma enjoyed hanging out with her friends at Lillie Mae’s Place. She also loved feeding and watching the birds in her yard, but how she hated those pesky squirrels! She was affectionately known as “Mim” to her grandkids and great-grands, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Eda Griffith Tate; her husbands, William L. Pickett and Lewis E. Gray; step-daughter, Laura Gray; siblings, Everett Tate, Don Tate and Glenda Hansen.
She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Donny) Thomas; granddaughter, Kimberly (Jimmy) Harvey; grandson, William Ryan Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Ryder and Mason Harvey, and Will, Stella and Sam Thomas.
Funeral services will be held from the graveside in Hamilton Memorial Gardens at 10:00 AM, Monday November 18, 2024, with Rev. James Buttram Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday November 17, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to express special thanks to Life Care Center of Hixson and Hearth Hospice for their compassionate care.
Arrangements are in care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
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