Harold C. Norris

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Harold C. Norris, age 83, of Bessemer, Ala., formerly of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012 in UAB Medical West Hospital, Bessemer, Ala.

Harold was born on June 12, 1928 in Old Du Quoin, Ill., a son to Clarence and Irene (Keil) Norris. On July 31, 1948, he married Helen Beard in Corrinth, Miss. and she survives. He had worked as a coal miner for Freeman United Coal for 35 years before he retired and he was a member of and actively involved with the U.M.W.A. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Du Quoin, Ill. where he served on the church council and in Alabama where he then became a member of Hueytown First United Methodist Church where he was a trustee. He was a member of the Kiwanis, Du Quoin, Ill., and enjoyed helping others through the local food pantries and outreach programs with his church.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Helen Norris of Hueytown, Ala.; two sons, Robert (Donna) Norris of Hueytown, Ala. and Edward Norris of Auburn, Ill.; a daughter, Donna (Leo) Weis of Old Du Quoin, Ill.; six grandchildren, Cassandra (Darren) Cole of Prattville, Ala., Laura (Russel) Gibbons of Bloomington, Ill., Shawn (Michelle) Norris of Bentonville, Ark., Travis(Jennifer) Norris of Hueytown, Ala., Trevor Norris of Hueytown, Ala. and Cathleen Norris of Hueytown, Ala.; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Norman Norris; two grandchildren in infancy; and a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Norris.

Funeral services were held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Harvey Sullins officiating. Interment was in Old Du Quoin Cemetery, Du Quoin, Ill.

Friends called at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.