Chattanooga Community Unites to Honor the Lives of Local Legends

Chattanooga Bid Farewell to Local Legends

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been a little dimmer this week after the loss of beloved community members who touched the lives of so many. Jeffrey Wayne Norman, affectionately known as Rooster, passed away on December 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

A Life Well Lived

Rooster was not just a name; it was a testament to his larger-than-life personality. Celebrated for his love of life, family, and friends, he had an incredible knack for spreading joy wherever he went. He was a true Renaissance man who could strum a guitar, cast a fishing line, and whittle a piece of wood into a cherished keepsake, all while painting a vivid picture of love for those around him.

Rooster cherished his wife of 47 years, Sarah Victoria, lovingly known as Vicki or Momma Hen. Together, they built a solid foundation of family, attracting their daughters, Wendy Laine Norman and Holly Beth Heaton-Combs, into their warm embrace. His pride and joy were evident in the six grandchildren he adored: Haley Brown (DJ), Christopher Heaton, Hunter Heaton, Donnie Heaton, Zoe Combs, and Brandie Norman.

In Loving Memory

Rooster is now joyfully reunited with those who’ve gone before him, specifically his father, Wesley Lane Norman, and mother, Margie Luene Whitehead. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Norman (Catherine), along with a devoted family-in-law, numerous sister-in-laws, and a plethora of nieces and nephews, all ready to carry on the legacy of love he instilled in them. One of his quirkiest titles, “six Ladies,” is a reminder of the influence he had in the lives of the incredible women around him.

In tribute to Rooster, family and friends will gather at a later date for a Celebration of Life party, ensuring his spirit continues to shine brightly among those who loved him. Arrangements are being handled by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga.

A Community in Mourning

Additionally, Chattanooga also mourns the loss of Thomas “Tom” Dale Shirley, Jr., who passed away at the age of 61 on November 27, 2024. Tom’s infectious spirit brought joy to everyone he met. After years apart, he reunited with his college sweetheart in heaven, a story that warms the hearts of those who knew him.

Another cherished member of the community, Joanne Knott Gordon, also passed away on November 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Her impact on the lives she touched will continue to resonate throughout the generations.

And let’s not forget the remarkable life of Sara Betty Wills Franklin, who was born on January 18, 1922, in West Grove, Pennsylvania. After an inspiring journey, she found her final rest in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, on November 30, 2024, at the age of 102.

Keeping Their Spirit Alive

As Chattanooga reflects on the lives of these wonderful people, the community comes together to celebrate their contributions and the love they shared. Their memories will lives on in the stories we tell and the love we give. In times of sorrow, we remind each other that love continues to grow, even as we celebrate the legacies of those who have left us. May we all strive to embody the spirit of love, compassion, and creativity that Rooster and the others so brilliantly showcased.