Norma Jean Lancaster-Pirkle

Norma Jean Lancaster-Pirkle, of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the age of 91. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Maynard Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Monroe Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Monroe County memorial Chapel.

Norma Jean Shaw Lancaster Pirkle was born on March 22, 1935, in Hampton, Georgia, to the late Clifford Lee Shaw Sr. and Lillie Elvira Mitchell Shaw. On November 6, 2026, at the age of 91, Norma completed her earthly journey, leaving behind a legacy of strength, determination, and love.

Norma was a proud 1953 graduate of Mary Persons High School and in 1955, Norma met Willis Lancaster, her first great love. Just six months later, they married and began building a life together. Their marriage lasted 48 years, until Willis’s passing in 2003. Together, they raised three children: Alicia, Derrick, and Linda.

Never one to believe that age should limit ambition, Norma returned to school in 1982 and earned a degree in Information Technology from Georgia College in Milledgeville at approximately 50 years old. She went on to enjoy a 14-year career with the United States government, working for the Office of Personnel Management until 2003.

In 2007, Norma reconnected with George Pirkle, a childhood friend from grade school. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they later married, sharing ten years together before his passing in 2017.

She is survived by her three children: Alicia Langham (Wayne), Derrick Lancaster, and Linda Lancaster; five grandchildren: Brandi Brown (Rick), Brittany Smith (Will), Alexandra Hamilton, Michael Lancaster, and Christopher Lancaster (Renee); and six great-grandchildren: Lillian and Annalyn Brown, Ellysa and Ronan Smith, and Landon and Evan Lancaster.

Her legacy is more than the years she lived or the accomplishments she achieved. It lives in the generations who came after her, the stories they will share, and the lessons her life continues to teach.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 W. Main Street, Forsyth, GA 31029 has charge of the arrangements.