Norman Funeral Home

Our Story

Norman Funeral Home is a pillar of the Hope community, proudly standing as its oldest continuously family-owned and operated business. Our story stretches back to the mid-1800s when George Norman and his son, E.A. Norman, arrived in Hope from Stokes County, North Carolina. Skilled craftsmen and entrepreneurs, they established a sawmill, catering to the region's needs. Recognizing the inherent requirement for funeral services within the community, they also began crafting coffins, thus laying the foundation for what would become Norman Funeral Home.

In 1880, the family dedicated themselves solely to funeral service, opening their doors in a modest building on the west side of Hope Town Square. Just a year later, in 1901, the funeral home moved into a newly constructed two-story brick building, a testament to their burgeoning business and a structure that continues to serve the community today. This was a pivotal moment, reflecting not just physical growth but the enduring commitment to serving families during their times of need. The subsequent years witnessed the expansion of the family business, with E.A. Norman's son, Carl, joining the enterprise in 1902. E.A. Norman's dedication to public service led him to be elected to the state senate in 1914, further solidifying the family's role in Hope.

Driven by progress, the funeral home embraced modernity with the purchase of a motorized hearse in 1915, marking a significant departure from the traditional horse-drawn ones. The passing of E.A. Norman in 1920 signaled a new era for Carl, who assumed leadership of the business while honoring his father's legacy.

Over the next few decades, the Norman family continued to adapt and evolve. Gene Norman, Carl's son, joined the ranks in 1932, ushering in the third generation of family operation. The year 1937 saw another expansion, a testament to their unwavering commitment to serving the community's needs. By the time Carl passed, in 1959, leaving Gene as the sole proprietor until 1972, the funeral home stood as a trusted institution, deeply woven into the fabric of Hope.

In 1972, John and Morris, Gene's sons, joined the business, marking the fourth generation of the Norman family to carry the torch of service. This tradition continued after Gene's passing in 1994, with John and Morris leading the way. Sadly, John Norman passed away in 2013. His wife, Suzie, along with their daughter, Ashley, and Morris, carried on the legacy of Norman Funeral Home with dedication. In 2015, Ashley obtained her funeral director's license, marking a significant milestone as the fifth generation to join the family business.

Our Services

Norman Funeral Home offers a comprehensive range of services designed to honor the lives of loved ones and support families during their most difficult times. We understand that each family is unique, and we strive to create personalized experiences that reflect the individual's life story and the wishes of their families.

Our services encompass a wide spectrum, from traditional funeral ceremonies and cremation services to pre-planning arrangements and grief support resources.

• At-Need Services: When a loss occurs, our compassionate team is here to guide you through each step of the funeral process. We offer a personalized approach, working closely with you to create a meaningful tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one.

• Pre-Need Services: Planning ahead allows you to make informed decisions about your future arrangements, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. We offer flexible pre-need options and guidance to ensure your wishes are honored.

• Cremation: We provide compassionate and dignified cremation services, honoring the wishes of individuals who choose cremation as a final disposition.

• Memorial Cards, Candles & Throws: In addition to traditional funeral services, we offer memorial keepsakes such as laminated obituaries, memorial cards, candles, and throws. These tangible reminders can help families cherish the memory of their loved ones.