Gilbert Norman

Gilbert Norman, 77, of Morganton, NC, went home to Heaven on Saturday, July 4, 2026 after a brief period of declining health. 

Born in Burke County, NC on October 23, 1948, he was the son of Wilma Ward Norman the late Arthur Lee Norman of Morganton.

Gilbert worked at Morganton Dying and Finishing for many years until the company closed its doors and then ultimately retired from Baxter Healthcare in North Cove.

Gilbert and his beloved wife, Wanda always worked very hard and very well together for everything they had. Inseparable, Gilbert was miserable in the nine months he had to endure without his wife at his side. 

Always known for his big garden, Gilbert grew fruits and vegetables in abundance and enjoyed giving his produce to friends and family or just anyone who stopped by. He always enjoyed talking to folks that would stop by and buy his sweet potato slips.

Gilbert was a lifelong hunter and fisherman and made sure his two sons followed suit.  He took his boys in the woods or to the water before they could even hold a squirrel rifle or cast a rod and reel. Those trips will forever be cherished by his sons and have since been passed to the next generation.  

In addition to his mother, those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Steven Norman (Gina) and Jeff Norman (Melanie); grandchildren, Hannah Davis (Adam), Heath Norman (Chesnee), and Alysa Norman; great-grandchildren, Madilynn and Olivia Davis; and brother, Jerry Norman.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his father Arthur "Ott" Norman and his high-school sweetheart and wife of 57 years Wanda Louise Brewer Norman.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Shuffler officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.