Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Norman C. Booker

05/04/1938 - 04/11/2022

Text:

Obituary For Mr. Norman C. Booker

On Monday, April 11, 2022, I, Norman Carlyle Booker received an important call at 3:00PM, one that I readily accepted. I was informed by my heavenly creator that my work here on earth is completed.

Norman Carlyle Booker, 83 years old was born on May 4, 1938 in Raleigh, WV, he was the fourth son born to George and Grace Booker.

He was called Caesar by so many people. They actually thought that was his name. He was educated in Raleigh County graduating from Stratton High School. He began his college education at Bluefield State College where he met his wife and completed it at Marshall University. He was employed by the Raleigh County Board of Education as the Masonry Instructor at the Academy of Careers and Technology.

He was a servant of God. He loved sharing God’s word and how God had impacted his life with his family and friends. He believed it was important to share the love of God with anyone he encountered.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Harper Heights for many years. While active there he served as the superintendent of Sunday School and as a teacher, deacon and a member of the choir. He also served as president of the Winding Gulf Baptist Music Auxiliary, until he was injured on January 2, 2007. God was his first love and the Savior’s house was his second love.

The accident left him paralyzed and he was no longer able to attend church services. Rev Debra Smoot of St. Matthew AME Church so kindly began coming to his home to serve him as a pastor.

Norman was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. He met no stranger and freely shared his wisdom and knowledge with anyone who needed help.

He is survived by his wife, Ernestyne; daughters, Ronda (David) Clayton of Murfreesboro, TN and L’Juana Booker, Dayton, OH; two grandchildren, Geoffrey Clayton, Chicago, IL and Taylor Clayton of Murfreesboro, TN; sister, Wanda Wright of Apex, NC and Viola Dennison of Norwalk, CT; brother, Kenneth (Margaret) Booker of Charleston, WV; brothers in-law, Bernard (Virginia) Woods of Concord, VA, James (Myrtle) of Yorktown, VA, Harry (Consuela) Woods of Lynchburg, VA and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Norma Jean Woods of Lynchburg, VA. He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews and cousins scattered throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico.

Graveside service will be 1:00PM Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity with Rev. Debra Smoot officiating.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family from 12:00Noon -12:45PM at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bowers Hospice House 454 Cranberry Dr. Beckley, WV 25801.

The family would like to thank all that brought food, donations, called and said a prayer during this time. Thank you to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor for their kind and loving attention during this time.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

06/10/2022

Thomas Hamilton

A man called Norman: He was there for us, for me, though I thought it was the other way round. God brought us together for a purpose. This man of God lifted me and inspired ME on my trying days, this man afflicted with unimaginable suffering in his long final years. His faith came through in his fight, his words, his knowledge of the Good Book, the love he had for his family, his laughter and mirth, his compassion, and his belief in God. It was so real and beautiful and is missed beyond measure yet treasured for all my remaining days. Such was the gift he left us. God bless you, Norman Booker. Heaven is a grander place with your star there. You will ever inspire us to be our very best on our journeys here on earth. RIP in eternity, dear friend and father.
04/23/2022

Angel Lawson
04/19/2022

Barbara James

My sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Booker. I pray that you be surrounded by God's love, peace and comfort now and in the days to come.
04/19/2022

Willie and Gloria Taggart

My sister and I are sad about Mr. Booker's passing, but are very happy to have had him as a mentor and a friend. Condolences to the family.
04/19/2022

Michelle Leftwich

Sending our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Booker family. Mr. Booker was such a great man...always loving and kind! We have the best memories with him at church and in the neighborhood...he had the best laugh, too...Love to all, The Moore's, Smith's and Leftwich's
04/19/2022

Rhonda Martin

To my Grant/Hoover Street childhood neighbors the "Bookers", my love and prayers are extended to you all. Take comfort in knowing that your husband and father was a great man who had a huge influence on the lives of many . "May the work I've done speak for me " May Blessings be unto you. Submitted with Love, Rhonda Martin
04/18/2022

Kenneth Starkey Jr

To the Booker Family, you have our sincere condolences and prayers. Mr. Booker was a leader, teacher, friend, a pillar of the community that not only taught masonry but taught life skills. I am grateful to have know him. Kenneth Starkey Jr and family Class of 1980
04/18/2022

The Mitchell Family

To the Booker Family: Thank you for sharing Mr Booker with our schools and students, the Beckley community and with the Winding Gulf Music Convention. We too will miss him as I am sure that all of you will. We ask God to continue to bless your lives with warm memories of his life, times of joy, smiles and laughter. We will keep you forever in our prayers. The Mitchell Family
04/18/2022

Richard Carter

To Ernystyne and family...I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. You are always in our hearts and prayers. Sis. Katie Carter and family.
04/17/2022

Ardith C. Fullen, Grant Street Childhood Neighbor

My deepest to the Booker Family. May Mr. Booker, one of my childhood neighbors, rest in the "Arms of the Lord".
04/17/2022

Delores Medley-Greene

Ernestyne, I will never forget your husband or you. Your kindness was unlike so many. I remember going to church with you guys when I was a young-un... singing in the choir with Mr. Booker and the time that he came to Columbus with Daddy because my sidewalk was letting water in my basement. Great people! He and daddy. I remember his smile and his singing. He was a man of God and God has now welcomed him Home. You have been a wonderful wife. May God continue to bless your and your family. I am praying for you all.
04/17/2022

LD Moore

Condolences to the family. Mr. Booker was a wonderful teacher. -LD Moore
04/17/2022

Paul Schofield

Condolences and prayers for the Booker family and friends..may God give you comfort at this difficult time
04/17/2022

Paul Schofield

Condolences and prayers for the Booker family..may God give you comfort at this difficult time. Paul Schofield and family
04/17/2022

Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers and condolences to the family - Charlene Wynes Davis -
04/16/2022

Marilyn Evans

Dear LJuana and family, I know how much you loved your dad. Prayers that precious memories will accompany you in your grief. Marilyn Evans
04/16/2022

Tina Greene

It is with heartfelt sympathy to the Booker family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of peace give you comfort during this time. Tina Nelson Greene
04/16/2022

Delores Robinson

It is with deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences that I remember a wonderful man of God and my classmate from the "1956 "class of Stratton High School...Ernestyne may God's Grace and Mercies abound in your life at this time...Yours In Christ Deaconess Delores Robinson
04/16/2022

Emily and Gary Hairston

To the Booker Family,so sorry for your loss.Our sincere love and condolences.The Hairston family(Steven and Celeste)
04/15/2022

Juddy Allen

In 1978 to 1980 masonry class under Mr. Booker there was over 8 souls lead to Jesus. I was one of them. May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit watch over your love ones. I thank the Father for letting are life cross.
04/14/2022

Janet & Gary Hairston

To the family of Deacon Norman Booker. I was blessed to meet Mr. Booker at the old Voc Tech School back in the 70's and at different church functions. I pray God's peace and comfort for the family . God bless you richly. With Sympathy Elders Gary and Janet Hairston & family
04/14/2022

Clifford & Eileen Washington

To the Booker family, you have our deepest sympathy and prayers. May God continue to bless and keep you. Clifford &Eileen Washington
04/13/2022

Tammy Radford

Love and Prayers from the Pinelodge Therapy Dept.
04/13/2022

Michael and Yvonne Brown

To the Booker Family, We are truly sorrowful about the passing of Mr. Booker. Our prayers, we pray will comfort you all during this time of grief. He will be missed but thank God he's at his heavenly home now. Praising God around the throne. We love you all and we'll continue to pray for you all. May God richly bless and keep each of you. Michael and Yvonne Brown
04/12/2022

Elizabeth Zeigler, Chicago

My sincere prayer and condolences to family and friends! May God give you strength and peace during your time of sorrow🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾