Norris C Locke Sr

Norris C. Locke, Sr., was born on the 7th of August 1932. He was the seventh of eleven children of the late Henry and Josephine Locke. Norris departed this life on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. He passed at home peacefully in his sleep with his two sons and daughter-in-law by his side.
Norris attended Old Pilgrim Elementary School and Fountain Inn (Negro) High School. He graduated from
Friendship Junior College, in Rock Hill, S.C., where he played on the football team. One year after graduating, Norris was drafted into the U.S. Army. During his enlistment, he was stationed in New Mexico and Texas.
After being honorably discharged, Norris married Edesteen Goldsmith. They relocated to Buffalo, where Norris began a 36-year career with General Motors. Although his marriage ended in divorce, their union was blessed with three children. Norris cherished and raised his children as a single parent. He was aided by the invaluable assistance of his sister and brother-in-law, Booker T. and Abbie Jones.
Norris was an active member of St. John Baptist Church, where he served on the deacon board, Board of
Christian Education, and various other organizations. Norris was also very active in the community where he served on the board of the Oak Elm Housing Development (McCarley Gardens) and worked with Boy Scout Troop/Pack 84.
A love of education was instilled in Norris by his parents. As a result, he placed a very high value on education, committed to sending his children to college, and surrounded them with positive role models. All of Norris’ children graduated from college. Norris also loved classical music, writing, poetry, traveling,
and numismatics.
Norris leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 35 years, whom he loved dearly, Parnee Locke of Simpsonville, S.C., and two children: Norris C. Locke, Jr. of Lake Spivey, GA, and Dennis R. (Mary) Locke, Sr. of Simpsonville, S.C. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: LaSheika (Michael) Locke-Criswell of Fountain Inn, S.C.; Javone Locke of Mauldin, S.C.; Dennis R. Locke, Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; Cornell Locke of
Cherrydale, S.C.; Stephanie Locke of Simpsonville, S.C.; Miles C. Locke of Marietta, GA; Mia V. Locke of Marietta, GA.; and, eight great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Henry D. (Audrey) Locke, Jr. of Country Club Hills, IL, one sister, Velma Hiler of Rochester, N.Y.; one brother-in-law, Booker T. Jones of Woodruff, S.C.; and three sisters-in-law, Jessie Locke of Rochester, NY, Annie Locke of Buffalo, N.Y., and Miriam Locke of Amherst, N.Y.; plus, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. Both parents and eight siblings preceded him in death.