Norma Jean (Moss) Irwin

Norma Moss Irwin passed away on February 22, 2024.  She was born on July 5, 1932, in Hart County, Georgia, to Glynn C. Moss and Sarah Jordan Moss.  In her early years, Norma’s family moved to downtown Atlanta, so Norma always considered herself to be a native Atlantan. She spoke fondly of her childhood days riding the streetcars through Atlanta and going to baseball games.  Norma graduated from Bass High School in 1950 and married her first husband, William Burden, in 1951. Unfortunately, she lost Bill to a brain aneurysm after only eight years of marriage. Bill’s cousin, James Irwin, befriended Norma because he too had lost a spouse at a young age.  Norma and Jim fell in love, married, and enjoyed forty-six years together before Jim passed in 2007.

Known as Norma Jean to friends and family, she epitomized Southern hospitality. There was always room at her table where one would enjoy a home-cooked meal and a freshly baked dessert. She and Jim enjoyed entertaining and welcomed many supper clubs and Sunday school classes into their home. Her grandchildren delighted in going to Nonnie’s house, as they called her, because she had a knack for making them feel special and loved.

One of Norma’s passions, which she shared with Jim, was international travel. Together they visited more than forty-four countries.  Her adventures included cruising the Nile River, crossing the Arctic Circle, and visiting the Australian Outback. After her husband’s passing, she continued to enjoy exploring the world with family and friends.

Norma was also admired for her sense of style. She had a talent for putting together an outfit, from clothing to jewelry to shoes and a handbag. The family is fond of saying that Norma wouldn’t even go to the mailbox unless she was well-dressed with hair and makeup done beautifully.

She is survived by her brother Ronald Moss; her sister Linda Moss; her four children- Dr. J. Timothy Irwin, William Michael Burden, Christi Burden Lazear, and James D. Irwin, Jr.; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. Interment will be in Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, GA.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

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