Dr. Debby Norman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Debby Norman, known to many as Ms. Norman, Mama Debby or Aunt Debby, Age 71 of White House, Tennessee, passed away quietly December 4th, 2020 in Sonoma, California. She was born November 1, 1949 to Joe & Gloria (Marchetti) McAlister. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Derina Lassiter (Carl) of Greenbrier. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Joe Lohner, White House, Tennessee; brother, Michael McAlister, Madison, Tennessee; daughters, Star Laurence, Sonoma, California, Tara Duncan (Shawn), Murfreesboro, and Heather Norman, Gallatin; niece, DeAnna Walls (Michael), White House, Tennessee, numerous nieces and nephews; six grandchildren- Falynn, Blake, Alex, Glorie, Ava and Sloan; and one great-grandchild, Rhett. Dr. Norman was born in Nashville, Tennessee and lived throughout her life not only in the Nashville area but also cities such as Miami, Florida and Ponchatoula, Louisiana. While her father worked for the United Nations, they lived around the world in countries like Lagos, Nigeria of Africa; and Madrid, Spain where she graduated from High School. This inspired her lifelong love of travel. She longed to return to Africa and especially Northern Italy, where her mother’s family originated. She was called to teach at a very young age. She received her undergraduate from Belmont University and began her career at Hendersonville High School and then on to White House High School. After receiving her Masters Degree at Western Kentucky University, she taught at White House Middle School for 25 years. Her love of teaching was matched equally by her love of learning. As the perpetual student herself, she achieved her Doctorate degree at Tennessee State University. Her constant need to push herself and look for new challenges led her to begin teaching at Hunters Lane High School, and also MNPS Virtual School (one of the first online accredited High Schools in the Nashville area) where she finally retired. Over the years, she taught at many colleges/universities including: Volunteer State Community College, Trevecca Nazarene University, David Lipscomb University, University of Phoenix, Draughons Junior College, Tennessee State University and Nashville State Community College. She was always motivated and had a child-like enthusiasm for teaching and learning; she loved poetry, books, and hearing about the latest world news events. She loved her daughters, grandchildren and new great-grandchild more than life itself. She treasured her students, friends, colleagues, and her whole extended family. Debby influenced everyone she met throughout all walks of life. Because of her strong spirit and personality, you never had to guess what she was thinking. She was sincerely honest and had a way with helping others find comfort/guidance in her presence. She was recognized everywhere by former students approaching her to say how she impacted their life. It would be some funny and/or amazing story often being asked, “Do you remember me?” or told, “You were my favorite teacher!” Her influence was great and she will be happy to know that the legacy she left behind will be paid forward. Remember her with laughter, for she had an infectious sense of humor and love of life. Our mother will be missed more than we can adequately describe. Our only solace is that she is reunited with her dear parents-Mama Gloria and Daddy Joe and her sister Derina. She will finally get the much deserved rest she needs from all the hard work she did here on Earth. Her energy is boundless, and she will continue to guide us in ways only we will know in our hearts- throughout eternity. Her visitation will be: Thursday 4:00-7:00pm at Austin & Bell White House, Tennessee; Friday 10:00am-2:00pm, 4:00-6:00pm at Austin & Bell White House, Tennessee. 6:00pm The Praying of the Rosary for all who would like to attend in the Chapel at Austin & Bell White House, Tennessee. Saturday 10:00am family welcoming guests in the church vestibule followed by 11:00am Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 1225 Gallatin Pike. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery 5110 Gallatin Pike South, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. Serving as pallbearers: Shawn Duncan, Blake Norman, Michael Walls, Andy McAlister, Troy Jernigan, Clint Cooper, Christopher Bittner and Noah Reamy. Honorary pallbearers: All former students. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com Turn again to life, Mary Lee Hall If I should die, and leave you here awhile...Be not like others sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust. For my sake, turn again to life, and smile, nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine. Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine, and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Dr. Debby Norman

November 1, 1949 - December 4, 2020

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Dr. Debby Norman

November 1, 1949 - December 4, 2020

Obituary & Service

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