Inez McGaha Norman, 88

Inez McGaha Norman, 88, of Hendersonville passed away on January 8, 2019, after a period of declining health. She was born in Old Fort on April 23, 1930, a daughter of the late Fred Douglas and Flora Smith McGaha. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Norman, as well as two sisters: Juanita McGaha Saltz and Margaret McGaha Robertson.

At a very young age the McGaha family relocated to Henderson County. She was a graduate of Dana High School. After graduation from high school, she began working at the Hasty Tasty, and then later the Chicken Shack and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5206. Her smiling face and engaging personality endeared her to everyone she met. One of her most notable accomplishments was her career in law enforcement in Henderson County. She performed the duties as matron of the city jail from 1965 until 1969 at a time when women in law enforcement was new to the community. She later became a sworn officer with the Hendersonville Police Department, whose duties included: meter maid, school crossing guard and reserve officer. During her tenure as a meter maid, she issued a parking citation to her mother, but as any good daughter would do, she paid the fine. In 2011, Chief Herbert Blake named the department’s civilian of the year award the Inez Norman Award for Excellence. Following her official retirement, she continued to work part time for the Hendersonville Police Department serving her community honorably.

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene, Hendersonville Lions Club, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hendersonville Chapter.

She is survived by her loving family that consists of numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her Hendersonville Police Department family. She will be missed for her kindness, compassion, and personal strength.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Charles Evans officiating. The honor of serving as pallbearers has been entrusted to: Tom Powers, Danny Fields, Donnie Parks, John Nicholson, Andre Massey and Brandon McGaha. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. today, Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Inez’s memory to World Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 97180, Washington, DC 20037, worldwildlife.org.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.