Jerry Orland Norman

Jerry Orland Norman, 80, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. He was born on May 2, 1945, in Bremerton, Washington. He is survived by his wife, Lavonne; his sons, Jonathan Norman and Erik Norman; his daughter-in-law, Lindsay Norman; and his daughter, Sara Norman, and grandchildren Amara Norman, Ava Norman, Leif Norman, and Leyton Norman and his great-grandson, Preston Norman.

Jerry graduated from Highline High School in Burien, Washington, and then went on to attend Highline Junior College, where he earned an associate's degree. He also studied at Bethel Temple Bible School and received a three-year degree and was ordained into pastoral ministry. While attending Bible School he worked at Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, Washington and Miller Oil and Heating in Federal Way, Washington.

On May 19, 1967, Jerry married Lavonne Benton at Bethel Temple in Seattle, Washington.

Jerry was a man who was ingrained with the desire to work with his hands and help others. In 1969, Jerry and Lavonne moved to Garrison, New York to work for Teen Challenge, at the Walter Hoving Home for women. He maintained the grounds and home of the 22 acre estate; the home was large enough to house 20 women plus staff. After his tenure had finished at the Walter Hoving Home, he and Lavonne moved to Anchorage, Alaska. His first job was with the Municipality of Anchorage in the sewer/maintenance department. While working for the Municipality of Anchorage, he and Lavonne established the Crossover Coffee House which provided a 24hr counseling hotline, office space for intern pastors and pastors from throughout Anchorage to counsel those in need of help. On Friday nights local musicians and gospel bands performed and free coffee and donuts were provided. Due to a change in municipality guidelines and road expansion the coffee house closed after two years of active operation He then was asked to pastor a church in North Kenai, Alaska; during his tenure of 3.5 years at North Kenai Chapel, he finished the construction of the new church building and pastored the church. He and Lavonne and their 3 children then moved back to Anchorage, to establish his business as a residential and commercial building contractor which allowed him to travel to many places in Alaska. He worked for Veco Oil Field Company, traveling to the North Slope of Alaska to work with construction teams in the oil industry. Afterwards, he worked for Home Depot and Lowe's, designing kitchens. He volunteered as a Chaplain for nine years with the Alaska State Troopers and also worked in the maintenance department at Change Point Church. In 2019 he and Lavonne moved to Tyler, Texas. Jerry and Lavonne attended New Life Worship Center; he worked at New Life Worship Center as the maintenance man from 2019-2021. He also owned J&L Enterprises, building bleacher boards for commercial bleacher units. Jerry loved building models, like wooden ships and cars, and working with his hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leif and Edith Norman; his brother, Roy Norman; and his sister, Verdie Egts.

A memorial service will be held at New Life Worship Center, 18535 Hwy 69, Tyler, Texas, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers you can donate to New Life Worship Center's Christmas for East Texas Foster Children. Give on-line at newlifetyler.com click on the "Giving" tab and click on Christmas for Kids.