Norman Lumpkin departed this life on the morning of Monday, November 21, 2022 after a long illness at the age of 85. A good man, loved by everyone he encountered. He was a member of the Schenectady Gazette bowling league for many years and as we all know, he was also a great cook and a faithful NY Giants fan. His favorite hobbies were watching sports, the news, going to church, fishing, eating and drinking Pepsi. But he loved nothing more than spending time with his loved ones. He lived a fulfilling active life, now he is at peace.
Norman (Papa) was born July 21, 1937 in Durban, NC, the 6th child of 15 children born of William and Maggie Lumpkin. During his childhood, he moved to Albany, NY where he attended Philip Schuyler High School. In his early adult years, he served six years with the US Naval Receiving Station in Long Beach, CA (The USS Frontier). He worked at Mattel Company in California, Memorial Hospital and Veterans Hospital in Albany, NY, then worked 30+ years and retired on July 22, 1999 from the NYS Office of General Services, where he held the position of Supervisor.
Norman was a faithful member of Walls Temple AME Zion Church of Albany, NY. He served on the board of Trustees, was a member of Lay Council and sang for the Albany District Zion Chorale for 30 years.
Norman leaves behind his devoted loving wife Linda of 26 years; his children: Celeste and Thomas (Samara); grandchildren: Denise, Rayona, Jalesa, Lucretia, Victor, Johnny, Amara, Dorian, Arianna and Ah'Cianna; great grandchildren: Liam, Brynn and Messiah; three sisters: Edna Thompson, Annetta Young and Wilma Thomas; brother, Milton Lumpkin; long time friend, Geraldine Alexander; sisters in law: Joan Charles, Sharon Freeland, Debbie Youngblood (Toby), Virginia Jaquish and Joyce Briscoe.
He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church members.
Norman is predeceased by his son: Jason Richburg; parents: William and Maggie Lumpkin; brothers: William Lumpkin, Harvey Lumpkin, David Lumpkin Sr., Eugene Lumpkin (Andrea), Robert Lumpkin; sisters: Margie Darden, Louise Johnson (Joseph), Carolyn Lumpkin, Patricia Greenlee and Vivian (Thomas) Williams.
All are invited to attend his calling hours at Walls AME Zion Church, 27 Delaware St., Albany, NY 12202 on Friday December 2, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m. Homecoming services will follow from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon. Interment with military honors will be at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Walls Temple AME Zion Church Trustee Board in the memory of Norman Lumpkin.