MRS. NORMA GENE CHARACTER - Age 86, of Adairsville, Georgia passed away peacefully Saturday, January 3, 2026. Norma was born on February 4, 1939 to her late parents, Teavious Whatley, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Wylie Whatley. While living in Minnesota, she volunteered as a Candy Striper at a local hospital. She later met her husband, the late William Character, and the couple moved to Seattle, Washington where they birth three sons. After living in Seattle for a number of years, the family moved to Georgia where she was employed by Goodyear and earned her way through faithful dedicated work as a janitor to retire as a Supervisor for the Goodyear Company. Norma was a member of Kaiglers Chapel United Methodist Church, Adairsville, GA. Norma, affectionately known as “Gene” by her family, enjoyed cooking, crocheting, painting, traveling abroad, and spending time with her beloved family most of all.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, William Character; parents, Teavious Whatley, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Wylie Whatley; siblings, Cynthia Crawford, Teavious Whatley, Jr., Robert Whatley, Donald Whatley, and Alwin Whatley.

Those left to cherish Norma’s memories are her sons, William Character, Kevin (Ingrid) Character, and Michael (Chantelle) Character; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Tina Whatley and Christine Whatley; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Adairsville Body of Christ Church, 255 St. Elmo Circle, Adairsville, GA 30103, with Pastor Ruby Ford, Eulogist and Pastor Kenneth Benham, Presider. The family will receive extended family and friends one hour before the service at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.