Celebrating the life of
Norma G. Cording
July 29, 1944 - March 12, 2015
Savannah, Georgia - Norma Daire Guest Cording, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015 in her home with her family by her side and under the care of Hospice Savannah. She was born July 29, 1944 in Royston, GA to the late James H. and Mary Ann Goss Guest, and raised in Bowman, GA and Douglas, GA. Norma went on to attend the University of Georgia, where she received her BA in 1966 and her MA in History in 1975, with a thesis on women's education in antebellum Georgia.
Norma served as a flight attendant for United Airlines and was based in Miami, New York, Washington DC, and finally Chicago, residing in Urbana, IL, where her husband was Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois. In 1993 she retired from the airline to become a full-time homemaker.
Norma was a certified Master Gardener of the American Horticultural Society, steadily developing a luxuriant garden in her sprawling yard overlooking the Illinois farmland. She played on and captained USTA league tennis teams from Champaign-Urbana that in several years advanced through State to Sectionals, and, in 1996, to the USTA National Championships in Palm Springs, CA. She was an active participant in Advantage Illinois, a volunteer program supporting University of Illinois Men’s and Women’s Tennis. She enjoyed participating in women’s Bible studies and was a member of Twin City Bible Church in Urbana.
In 2006 she returned to her home state, moving to Savannah, GA with her husband.
She is survived by her husband Dr. Edward J. Cording, son Evan J. Cording, sister Mary Jean Drew, all of Savannah, and brothers Maj. Gen. James A. Guest, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Maj. Gen. Robert K. Guest, U.S. Army (Ret.).
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 28 at Independent Presbyterian Church, Savannah, GA., with reception following at the family home, 119 W. Huntingdon St.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Norma was a very dear friend who cared so deeply. She had the best sense of humor to go along with her beautiful smile. I met Norma thru my store but became friends with her thru our love of gardening. There is already such a void where ever she was. Ed, Evan, Mary Jean and family, I am so very sorry for your loss but know that she is whole again and waiting to greet you. Hugs
- Joanie Clabbers, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy to Norma's loved ones. May fond memories bring you some solace. Reza and Lorna Mesri
- Mesri, Urbana, IL
Our thoughts and fond remembrances are with you Ed and the family. Norma had a life well lived and we all will miss her greatly.
- Edward and Sarah James, Charleston, South Carolina
I took care of Mosby for Norma and Ed for a few years. Always enjoyed stopping by and talking with her. She was a lovely woman and will be missed by many.
- Genie Brazzeal, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to read of the passing of Norma. Our hearts go out to Ed and Evan and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at this difficult time
- Kimm Allen and Dale Faust, Urbana, Il
Dear Ed, Bob and Margaret ~ This caring cousin reaches out to you with heartfelt love and prayers. It is a comfort to me in accepting loss to know that this life is but a stepping stone to the eternity we will share as a family of believers in the presence of our Gentle Shepherd and Savior. I am pleased to learn that Ed and Sarah will be attending the celebration of Norma's life and legacy this Saturday. As you are in my thoughts at this time, so will you be when the quiet times of missing and remembering settle in.
- Elisabeth (Bettie) James Burnett, Springfield, VA
I am sorry to have heard of Norma's passing. As a member of Savannah's tennis community Norma was valued as one of the nicer players, of the spirit and of the sport. She will be missed.
- Suzie Kinney, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear of Norma's passing. We know she is in a better place and at peace. You shared so many wonderful, happy memories. May these, and the love of family and friends, comfort you. My prayers are with you. With love, Esther
- Esther Vogeley, Lebanon, IL
Dear Ed and Evan, What a sad time. I'm so sorry. I hope the loving memories you share will bring some comfort. Norma will be greatly missed.
- Sandy Hill, Champaign, Ill
Condolences to Ed, Evan, Mary Jean and family. Norma was a dear friend and neighbor. Her kind and generous heart, her quick mind and her ever present wit will be forever missed.
- cindy prutzman, savannah, ga
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can just pray that God will comfort you as you begin your lives without her. Just keep celebrating her life and He will see you through.
- Ruthi Cording Myers, Auburn, WA
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Norma's passing. Many years ago we played Tennis together and had a lot of fun times. Then Norma came to my rescue when we lost our daughter. She was so supportive and kind and made many meals for us. In later years we would always throw a birthday party for our children in the middle of the summer even though the birthdays were in different months. I can still remember Norma's laughter as we sang Happy Birthday looking at the surprised look on the children's faces. I admired her for so many reasons. She also taught me a lot about art and gardening. Norma loved her family and I remember how happy she and Ed were when Evan was born. Often Norma would talk about her sister and other members of the family and I truly felt I knew them. We will never forget Norma's loyalty as a friend during stressful times. We offer our deepest condolences to all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Rita & Arnold Blockman, Champaign, IL
We are sorry to learn of Norma's passing. We know she is with our Lord and Savior. God's blessings on all of you.
- Les and Rachel Cording Petzold, Yuma, AZ
Some clients become friends and Norma did. We shared our love of gardening and all things green. She was an inspiration to me and everyone who had the good fortune to know her. Evan,Ed and Mary Jean she loved you with all her being. I will miss knowing that she is just in the world for it was a better place when she was here. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hope
- Hope Turner, Maison Medical Spa, Savannah, GA
Ed - heard the news from Qamar today - my sincere condolences to you and your extended family, and let me underscore the sentiment on behalf of Dennis Lachel, as I know he would want me to.
- Dave Chapman, Morristown, NJ
My deepest condolence to the Cording family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may Mrs. Cording's sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
So many memories. The deep love she felt for her family, especially Ed, Evan and Mary. The joy she shared with so many of us who were blessed to be her friends. We all will miss her terribly. I know she would want us to honor her memory by caring for one another.
- Kathleen Holden, Urbana, IL
So sorry to hear about Norma's death. She left much too young, a lovely and talented woman. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
- Naomi Rempe, Champaign, IL
To Ed & family - my condolences for your loss.
- Paul Godlewski, Seattle, WA
Norma was a special person, someone I was fortunate enough to have in my life for many years. She helped me in ways no one knows but her and I. I will remember her always. Deepest sympathy to her family.
- Brandi (Allen) Wilske, Champaign, Illinois
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Norma was truly a remarkably kind women, she will be sadly missed.
- Lisa marra, Savannah, Ga
We are sad to see dear Norma leave us. How we enjoyed her fun personality, her intelligence, her charm, her grace, her many talents. Every minute with her was a blessing and we loved her. Our deepest sympathy to Ed, Evan, and Norma's family.
- Mahar, Pocatello, Idaho
Norma was such a gift and she will be forever missed and forever in our hearts. Beloved friend and neighbor. Deepest sympathy to Ed, Evan, Mary Jean, brothers, nephews and wives, grandnieces and grandnephews.
- Connie and Steve Lyman, Indianapolis, IN
Norma was a very dear friend who cared so deeply. She had the best sense of humor to go along with her beautiful smile. I met Norma thru my store but became friends with her thru our love of gardening. There is already such a void where ever she was. Ed, Evan, Mary Jean and family, I am so very sorry for your loss but know that she is whole again and waiting to greet you. Hugs
- Joanie Clabbers, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy to Norma's loved ones. May fond memories bring you some solace. Reza and Lorna Mesri
- Mesri, Urbana, IL
Our thoughts and fond remembrances are with you Ed and the family. Norma had a life well lived and we all will miss her greatly.
- Edward and Sarah James, Charleston, South Carolina
I took care of Mosby for Norma and Ed for a few years. Always enjoyed stopping by and talking with her. She was a lovely woman and will be missed by many.
- Genie Brazzeal, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to read of the passing of Norma. Our hearts go out to Ed and Evan and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at this difficult time
- Kimm Allen and Dale Faust, Urbana, Il
Dear Ed, Bob and Margaret ~ This caring cousin reaches out to you with heartfelt love and prayers. It is a comfort to me in accepting loss to know that this life is but a stepping stone to the eternity we will share as a family of believers in the presence of our Gentle Shepherd and Savior. I am pleased to learn that Ed and Sarah will be attending the celebration of Norma's life and legacy this Saturday. As you are in my thoughts at this time, so will you be when the quiet times of missing and remembering settle in.
- Elisabeth (Bettie) James Burnett, Springfield, VA
I am sorry to have heard of Norma's passing. As a member of Savannah's tennis community Norma was valued as one of the nicer players, of the spirit and of the sport. She will be missed.
- Suzie Kinney, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear of Norma's passing. We know she is in a better place and at peace. You shared so many wonderful, happy memories. May these, and the love of family and friends, comfort you. My prayers are with you. With love, Esther
- Esther Vogeley, Lebanon, IL
Dear Ed and Evan, What a sad time. I'm so sorry. I hope the loving memories you share will bring some comfort. Norma will be greatly missed.
- Sandy Hill, Champaign, Ill
Condolences to Ed, Evan, Mary Jean and family. Norma was a dear friend and neighbor. Her kind and generous heart, her quick mind and her ever present wit will be forever missed.
- cindy prutzman, savannah, ga
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can just pray that God will comfort you as you begin your lives without her. Just keep celebrating her life and He will see you through.
- Ruthi Cording Myers, Auburn, WA
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Norma's passing. Many years ago we played Tennis together and had a lot of fun times. Then Norma came to my rescue when we lost our daughter. She was so supportive and kind and made many meals for us. In later years we would always throw a birthday party for our children in the middle of the summer even though the birthdays were in different months. I can still remember Norma's laughter as we sang Happy Birthday looking at the surprised look on the children's faces. I admired her for so many reasons. She also taught me a lot about art and gardening. Norma loved her family and I remember how happy she and Ed were when Evan was born. Often Norma would talk about her sister and other members of the family and I truly felt I knew them. We will never forget Norma's loyalty as a friend during stressful times. We offer our deepest condolences to all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Rita & Arnold Blockman, Champaign, IL
We are sorry to learn of Norma's passing. We know she is with our Lord and Savior. God's blessings on all of you.
- Les and Rachel Cording Petzold, Yuma, AZ
Some clients become friends and Norma did. We shared our love of gardening and all things green. She was an inspiration to me and everyone who had the good fortune to know her. Evan,Ed and Mary Jean she loved you with all her being. I will miss knowing that she is just in the world for it was a better place when she was here. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hope
- Hope Turner, Maison Medical Spa, Savannah, GA
Ed - heard the news from Qamar today - my sincere condolences to you and your extended family, and let me underscore the sentiment on behalf of Dennis Lachel, as I know he would want me to.
- Dave Chapman, Morristown, NJ
My deepest condolence to the Cording family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may Mrs. Cording's sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
So many memories. The deep love she felt for her family, especially Ed, Evan and Mary. The joy she shared with so many of us who were blessed to be her friends. We all will miss her terribly. I know she would want us to honor her memory by caring for one another.
- Kathleen Holden, Urbana, IL
So sorry to hear about Norma's death. She left much too young, a lovely and talented woman. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
- Naomi Rempe, Champaign, IL
To Ed & family - my condolences for your loss.
- Paul Godlewski, Seattle, WA
Norma was a special person, someone I was fortunate enough to have in my life for many years. She helped me in ways no one knows but her and I. I will remember her always. Deepest sympathy to her family.
- Brandi (Allen) Wilske, Champaign, Illinois
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Norma was truly a remarkably kind women, she will be sadly missed.
- Lisa marra, Savannah, Ga
We are sad to see dear Norma leave us. How we enjoyed her fun personality, her intelligence, her charm, her grace, her many talents. Every minute with her was a blessing and we loved her. Our deepest sympathy to Ed, Evan, and Norma's family.
- Mahar, Pocatello, Idaho
Norma was such a gift and she will be forever missed and forever in our hearts. Beloved friend and neighbor. Deepest sympathy to Ed, Evan, Mary Jean, brothers, nephews and wives, grandnieces and grandnephews.
- Connie and Steve Lyman, Indianapolis, IN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
