Albert Norman

Albert Harrell Norman ORINDA, Calif. - Albert Harrell Norman, 82, born in Washington County, North Carolina, near Creswell, passed away peacefully in his sleep in a hospice in Moraga, Calif., Aug. 10, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Annie Norman Davenport and James Thomas Norman. His family moved from Creswell to Elizabeth City, N.C., where he graduated from high school in 1944. After graduation, he moved to Maryland and worked as a letter carrier. He served in the Navy during World War II (1945-46) and the Naval Reserve aboard the USS New Jersey during the Korean War (1951). After his discharge, he returned to his job as a letter carrier and, by going to night school, earned a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from Benjamin Franklin University, Washington, D.C. He took a job as an auditor with the Treasury Department, Bureau of the Mint, and in 1974, accepted the position of the officer in charge of the Old Mint in San Francisco and moved his family to Orinda. He retired in 1985. He was a member and trustee of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Orinda. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Arlene Nelty Norman. Surviving him are his three children, Ruth Norman of Santa Rosa, Calif., Peter Norman and wife Barbara of San Carlos, Calif., and James Norman of Concord, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Tyler, Madison and Grant Norman of San Carlos. He is also survived by sisters, Alethia N. Spry of Coinjock, N.C., Annette D. Peoples and husband Jack of Chesapeake, Paula D. Meads and husband Rock of Elizabeth City, N.C., Rebecca D. Evans and husband Ron of Cincinnati, Ohio; and by brothers, Seaton B. Norman and wife Frances of Laurel, Md., and Paul S. Davenport Jr. and wife Jeanette of Apex, N.C. Also surviving are six nieces and four nephews and several great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Paul S. Davenport Sr.; his sister, Nancy N. Crabb; a niece and nephew. A memorial service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Orinda, Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Albert requested donations be made in his memory to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563.