Norma G Calhoun

Norma G. Calhoun, a Godly woman, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on March 30, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, Norma was known for her boundless love. She believed – and demonstrated to others – that love was the answer in every situation. Along with her deep love for Jesus, Norma poured out her love completely, fully, and selflessly to everyone she knew and met. When she promised to pray for you, Norma would pray tirelessly day and night, fervently pleading to the God of heaven for your situation, your health, and your needs.

Norma was dedicated to bringing out the best in others and helping restore their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For most of her career, she worked as an administrator in the healthcare field and was the first female hospital chief executive officer in Tennessee. In the early 1980s, she advocated for the importance of patient rights during a national radio station tour and was even interviewed on Good Morning America.

After battling breast cancer, Norma turned her heart to the rehabilitation of teens and adults with addiction. She spent over 16 years with Teen Challenge of Nashville, sharing the transformative power of God’s love to combat drugs and alcohol. She and her husband, Ken, also served their church family at Belmont Church in Nashville for 34 years, hosting countless friends in their home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.

Norma’s hospitality was legendary. She loved to host holiday gatherings in her beautifully decorated home and often sang with son, Kenneth, Jr. Her singing voice was so beautiful that she was invited to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show while still in high school.

Norma never stopped loving others, never stopped praying, and never stopped believing in the transforming power of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. She brought out the best in everyone she met and will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.

Norma is survived by her children, Jeff Calhoun (Jeanne) of Alexandria, Louanne Staff (Robin) of Spring Hill, and Kenneth Calhoun, Jr., of Millington; her brother, Lindsey Garmon (Sherrie) of Knoxville; her grandchildren, Ethan Cord Calhoun (Melissa), Ashley Randolph (Justin), Genevieve Staff, and Taylor Fox (Haiden); and her cherished great grandchildren, Mila, Brooklyn, Savannah, Camden, Bronson, Keaton, and Anderson. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Kenneth H. Calhoun, Sr., her parents, Lindsey Nelson Garmon and Lillian Louise (Fly) Garmon, and her sister, Nila (Garmon) Sherrill.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Belmont Church, 68 Music Square East, Nashville, 37203.