Herman Jerry Van Norman Sr. passed away June 5, 2026, at his home with his wife Gayle, at the age of 92. Jerry was born on March 7, 1934, to William Davis and Iris Wall Van Norman in the Street community of Amite County, Ms. Jerry grew up on his family's farm during the Great Depression and 2nd World War era, learning how "a country boy can survive", and enjoying the bounties of the land.

He graduated from Liberty High School in 1952 and immediately began working for Western Electric/AT&T as an installer who always worked hard and strived for quality and production. After 32 years he retired as operations supervisor for southwest Ms. He later returned to work for Food-n-Fun, a LA Chain of convenience Stores as supervisor for 7 years. Then he retired to his country home in Liberty, MS where he enjoyed his wood working shop, building or fixing things. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed traveling, reading western novels and spending time with his family. He often wrote letters of encouragement to people going through difficulties. He had a great sense of humor, full of joy and optimism. He loved telling funny stories from the past and never forgot a joke. He enjoyed laughing and getting others to laugh. He completely restored a '57 chevy identical to the one he owned when he courted and married his wife Gayle Harvey on June 22, 1957, almost 69 years ago. They were blessed with 3 children and he carried out Gods admonition to be the spiritual leader of the family, rearing his children with faith, discipline and humility. Jerry was a leader in his church and served over 50 years as a deacon of Bethel Baptist. He recently received his 65-year certificate as a mason at Liberty Lodge no 37, where he served as master 3 times. He was a Gideon and served on the founding board of Amite School Corporation. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle, his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Harry Hover, his son H.J. Van Norman Jr. "Chuck", and his son Derek and Angie Van Norman; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Patsy and Bobby Dunaway, Sanna Warner, and Angeline and Darrell Bateman.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Iris Van Norman, sisters Elaine Dixon and Joyce Simpson and a precious granddaughter Meredith Street.

Funeral Arrangements for Jerry will be visiting Wednesday June 10, from 5pm until 7pm at Brown Funeral Home in Liberty, Ms. Visiting will continue on Thursday June 11, from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am at Bethel Baptist Church. Services will be officiated by Bro. Dusty Rhodes. Interment will follow with masonic rights at Bethel cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry would be honored by contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Baptist Children's Hospital.