Norma Allen Pugh

Norma Elizabeth Allen Pugh, 99, of Lynchburg, VA, died peacefully at home on July 10, 2024. She was born on July 25, 1924, in Sevierville, Tennessee to the late Sweden Cyrus Allen and the late Edith Mildred Webb Allen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bearl Jackson “Jack” Pugh of 61 years. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Webb Allen (Myrtle Bowen Allen) and Sanford Phillip Allen (Mary Ellen Moore), and two sisters, Mary Vivian Allen Caudill (Paul Green Caudill) and Dorothy Aileen Allen Alley (Edgar Atkinson Alley).

Norma is survived by two daughters, Connie Pugh Riley, of Lynchburg, VA and Phyllis Pugh Garber and husband Johnny Wayne Garber of Harrisonburg, VA; and one son, Anthony Allen Pugh and wife Wendy Taylor Pugh of Forest, VA. She is also survived by six grandchildren who lovingly called her Nannie: Heather Riley Joseph (Norm), David Ware Riley, Jr., Meghan Elizabeth Garber, Adam Matthew Garber (Lauren), Kristen Ashley Pugh, and Caitlin Elizabeth Pugh; as well as five great grandchildren: Ethan Bedie and Sophia Lee Joseph, Lilah Grace, Davis Gene and Dabney Rose Garber. Nieces include Jennifer Tichacek of West Point, VA, Sandra Shiflet of Ohio, Barbara Allen of Balsam, NC, and Susan Perkins of Richmond, VA. Nephews include Dr. Samuel Vernon of Marion, VA, Charles Pugh, Jr. of Roanoke, VA and Gregory Allen of Chesterfield, VA.

She graduated from Buckingham Central County High School and moved to Richmond, VA to attend business school. She held several clerical positions until the birth of her children. Later in life, she attended Central Virginia Community College. She was a member of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, Lynchburg Women’s Club as well as many bridge clubs.

Norma had a great passion for nature that extended her entire lifetime. This was evident through her love of gardening and her impressive green thumb; bird watching with her many beloved birdhouses; and the love of animals; especially her cats that brought her so much joy. The beach was one of her favorite places to be collecting endless shells, checking out the sights and getting a tan. There was very little that Norma couldn’t do and one of her treasured specialties was sewing and quilting. She made her daughters many outfits and was the one we all called on to fix our clothing woes. Her love for her family transcended into leaving them to cherish a multitude of quilts, winning several awards for her talents.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 13th at Spring Hill Cemetery (3000 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501) at 11am. Following the service, the family will receive friends and family at the home of Anthony and Wendy Pugh (107 Carriage Hill Drive, Forest, VA 24551).

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Visiting Angels, especially Bridget and Centra Hospice for their wonderful loving care of Norma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association in memory of Norma Allen Pugh. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.