Charles I

Charles Norman, I, a loving husband, father, and brother was born on October 2, 1946, in Newton, Mississippi to Otis and Dessrea Norman. He was the fourth child out of eight children. He had five brothers, HB, Curtis, Louis, Richard, Jarvis and two sisters, Arnettia and Kathy. They remember how Charles loved to read and would call upon him for answers because he knew so many different things. They also remember from an early age how he always found a way to make others laugh. Charles moved from Mississippi to Colorado when he was 16 years old. He then joined the military at 18 years old and moved to Missouri. Charles was a Special Trooper in the United States Army, receiving medals, for Good Conduct and Expert Firearms. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and settled his life in Colorado. When Charles was 21, he married his first wife. The two were married 16 years. They had six children, Lenora, Sitonelia, Charles, II, Charzettia, Ekoyenn, and Tupueza. The children most loved and remembered all the adventures they had with their father. From mountain climbing, fishing and hiking, to all of the music and fun Charles and their uncles would have at home. Later, he met Debra Jean Brunson and the two sweethearts were married in 1985. They celebrated 31 years of marriage in October 2016. Their Union brought three more children Jennifer, T'll-a, and Shy. The family enjoyed motorcycle rides, fishing and listening to Charles tell stories and play music. Charles loved his family very much. He took pride in taking care of them and worked at various companies to do so. He excelled at each position and taught his children," Whatever you do, do your best." This proved successful as he was able to break through many obstacles at companies he worked for and even received Officer's Commendation at the Denver Police Department. Charles was never satisfied working for others though, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to do everything his way. This led Charles to owning many of his own businesses. When we think of Charles though, it was his dedication to God that we remember most. He always wanted to know God, even at an early age. His thirst to know the Holy Spirit brought him into the ministry. He was an active member at Mount Sinai for many years, delivering inspiring sermons, officiated baptisms and weddings; including those for his own children. The Lord brought great strength and joy in his life and he gave it back to those around him. Charles was wildly spirited! He had a love of music and was very talented at singing and playing piano, guitar and harmonica. He also loved to make people laugh. He would come up with silly riddles and rhymes, songs and faces. He'd call you out if you slipped up and have fun with it. He was mischievous and a prankster. You could never be around him and not laugh; his laugh was infectious. His greatest obsession though was motorcycles. He had several bikes throughout his lifetime. This love was passed onto every member of the family. He enjoyed riding alone, alongside family and friends and having Debra and his kids riding on back. He was humble, patient and kind. His strength was his greatest attribution. His strength to pull together at the moments he was most scared, so he could calm his family and keep their will strong. His strength to face all the pain, sorrow, and corruptness of the world, and still see the light and love within it. The strength to know what he wanted, how he wanted to do things, what obstacles lied ahead, and went headstrong into them. Finally, his strength to hold on till the very end, doing things his way, until God called him home on December 3, 2016. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Dessrea Norman. His memory will be cherished by his entire family to include, his wife of 31 years, Debra Norman; his 9 children, Lenora, Sitonelia, Charles, II, Charzettia, Ekoyenn, Tupueza, Jennifer, T'll-a, and Shy; his 24 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 12/13/2016 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 12/13/2016 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 12/13/2016 - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO