January 10, 1966 – May 18, 2012
Norman was born in New Albany, Mississippi to Lurierine and Bruce Warren. Raised in Etta, Mississippi, he sang with the Gospel Sprouts Choir and recited poetry on Children's Day at Flint Hills Missionary Baptist Church. Norman was studious in high school. Among other things, his nimble fingers (he typed 75 words per minute) finished a 1,000-page romance novel.
Brief stints in the Army, business school, and Chicago led Norman to California where he earned a B.A. (major-journalism, minor-psychology) at California State University, Sacramento.
Norman began working at San Francisco's Gay Book , a magazine published bi-annually by its Castro Street-based staff, in the late 1980s, rising from data entry/telemarketing to managing editor in a short time. A lesbian friend who worked with Norman at the time fondly remembers Norman's emotional and practical support after her life partner was rear-ended by a drunk, uninsured motorist in August 1989, and was left with painful, debilitating injuries. Norman never said no to any of her requests. Via business contacts made at the Gay Book the friend secured a health insurance policy that included people with pre-existing conditions, met professionals who helped her, and finally got her partner a really good lesbian doctor at UCSF Medical Center who accurately diagnosed her partner's injuries, and provided treatments to get her started on the road to good medical management and recovery. To this day the friend is extremely grateful for Norman's help during that long and very difficult time.
After Gay Book ended, Norman secured work at Mervyn's department store and is fondly remembered by many co-workers for his kindness.
Norman also loved to sing and perform, adored the Supremes, and attended dozens of concerts by Mary Wilson, a Supremes back-up singer turned soloist.
In recent years, Norman struggled with end of life questions as he battled his difficult medical conditions. He succumbed to a heart attack on May 18. Rest in peace, dear Norman.