George W. Norwood, family patriarch
George Walter Norwood of Millsboro was born April 2, 1928, to the late Arthur Hill Norwood and Annie Jane (Street) Norwood in Harbeson. He was the longest survivor of his 11 siblings. On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, George slipped away peacefully for eternity at Beebe Healthcare Lewes at the age of 92.
He completed the eighth grade at the Hollyville Elementary School in Harbeson and later in life went back to school to obtain his GED.
George was a proud veteran, drafted during the Korean War in the 599th Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army, later serving in the Reserves with an honorable discharge Sept. 7, 1956. As a child, he farmed on the homestead, and as an adult continued to help his brothers with their operations while maintaining his own farm. He built a career in the poultry industry and retired as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector in 1991 from Townsends Poultry Plant.
As a kid, he attended Israel United Methodist Church and continued to be a lifetime member. He tried to live his life according to his favorite gospel hymn “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.” His favorite pastimes included spending time with family and friends, rabbit hunting and attending to his garden. George took great care of many people, including his sister, nephew, and his wife’s family. He was the glue and backbone that held the family together. He was always helping others, opening his heart and home to new people, and building relationships that lasted his lifetime. He was a humble man with a calm spirit, loved to laugh, never met a stranger and was a continuous inspiration.
On Oct. 5, 1957, at the age of 29, George married the love of his life, Frances Consetta (Harmon) Norwood whom he was devoted to for 49 years. They were inseparable and truly believed “Till Death Do Us Part.” Don’t be fooled, they could get into some “Good” trouble. You would always hear mom yelling “George” “George.” From this union were born three children, Jauana Norwood (unfortunately stillborn), Tyniece Janell Norwood and Gemez Wyler Norwood. Together they built a home full of love, tenderness, devotion, hospitality and friendship. After Frances’ passing, you would never see the kids without their dad. He would do anything for his kids.
George leaves to cherish his memories the joys of his life, daughter Tyniece Norwood and son Gemez Norwood (Felonise), all of Millsboro. Felonise was just as devoted to him as Tyniece and Gemez, and she would always say, “He’s my daddy too.” He also had a grandson Eric Martin Jr. (EJ), wife LaTawnya, a great-granddaughter Aniyah Martin, great-grandson Eric Martin III (Trey) all from Phoenix, Ariz. EJ and (Pops,) as he was affectionally called, had a very special bond which extended to all of EJ’s family. Dad had a host of loving and supportive nieces and nephews who called him (Uncle Me,) along with many cousins and friends.
Goodnight dad…we love you!
A walk-through visitation will be held Friday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mount Joy Road, Millsboro. George has a very large family and numerous friends. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we kindly ask that you please plan to attend one of the viewings noted above. The funeral services at noon Saturday will be private. Thank you for your understanding.
To offer words of comfort and sign the guestbook visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
