Albert Woodrow Norris

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Albert Woodrow Norris, 96, of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:50 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at the Fairview Nursing Center in Du Quoin.

He was born January 23, 1913, in Sunfield, the son of Hugh and Emaline (Short) Norris.

He married Dorothy Bramley on May 3, 1938 in Jackson, Mo., and she survives. They have spent 70 wonderful years together.

Albert gave his life to the Lord in 1932. He played an important role in the establishment of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin. Albert was a faithful and dedicated member of the church and he pastored the Gospel Assembly Church in Herrin from 1951-1953. He also served as an interim pastor in several churches in various cities.

Albert worked at Du Quoin Packing Company for 37 years and at B & J Hardware after retirement. Albert enjoyed spending time gardening, working in the yard, driving and taking care of his car and mowing grass. Although his greatest joy was his time spent with the Lord and his church, which was more than a social event, but a lifestyle.

Albert loved his family and spent as much time as possible with them. Survivors include his wife, his two daughters- Sharon Coffel and husband Jess of Du Quoin, Bonnie Westerman and husband Johnny of Kansas City, Mo., one son- Mark Norris and wife Tina of Du Quoin, four grandchildren- Rhonda Fleming and husband John of Du Quoin, Kevin Coffel and wife Debbie of Melbourne, Fla., Traci Reynolds and husband Brandon of Du Quoin, Tifani Rhudy and husband Seth of Oneonta, Ala., six great grandchildren- Heather Willis and husband Brock of Du Quoin, Amber Fleming of Du Quoin and fianc&#200; Justin Sargent of Springville, Ala., Brandon Coffel of St. Peters, Mo., and Alaina Reynolds of Du Quoin, Katrina O'Conner and husband Tom, Jeremy Griffith, five great great grandchildren- Katlyn Swallers, Brooklyn Willis and Addison Willis all of Du Quoin, Lydia O'Conner and Jack O'Conner.. Albert is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, twelve brothers and sisters and one grandson. Siblings include Nora Hartsock, Minnie Norris, Hazel Hahn, Ira Norris, James Norris, Arthur Norris, Clara Norris, Owen Norris, William Norris, Robert Norris, Wanda Kunkel and Stella Greenwood and one grandson Mark Andrew Norris.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Dennis Fitzsimmons officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the Gospel Assembly Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.