Please join the family of Gurney Musick Norman for a weekend of words, music and film in honor and celebration of Gurney, beloved husband, brother, uncle, writer, teacher, mentor, storyteller, film presenter and friend.
The memorial will be held over two days, Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Gatton Student Center on UK’s campus. Events are free, open to the public and will be livestreamed.
Memorial Information
Saturday Evening Program
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 6-11 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, Worsham Cinema
The evening will include films and film clips by Appalshop (Headwaters Television), Jean Donohue and Fred Johnson (Media Working Group), Andrew Garrison (KET), Anne Lewis, and Mimi Pickering, along with readings, remembrances, and tributes celebrating Gurney.
Speakers and readers include (alphabetical):
Sandy Ballard, Candace Chaney, Willie Davis, Angelyn DeBord, Jean Donohue, Andrew Garrison, Robert Gipe, Sharon Hatfield, Rebecca Gayle Howell, Fred Johnson, Leatha Kendrick, Johnny Lackey, Jude McPherson, Pam Oldfield Meade, Mimi Pickering, Mandi Fugate Sheffel, Kopana Terry and Crystal Wilkinson.
Sunday Memorial and Reception
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 1:30-6 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Sunday’s program will focus on Norman’s life as a writer, teacher and community builder, with reflections from authors, scholars, faith leaders and longtime friends. The reception will feature performances by musicians with deep ties to Norman and Appalachian arts communities.
View Sunday Memorial and Reception Livestream
Program
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Doors open: 1:30 p.m.
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Memorial Ceremony: 2 - 4:15 p.m.
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Break: 4:15 - 4:30 p.m.
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Reception with Live Music: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Sunday speakers include (alphabetical):
Mary Berry, Nikky Finney, Robert Gipe, Rev. Kent Gilbert, Lindsay Hawkins, George Ella Lyon, Bobbie Ann Mason, Alessandro Portelli, Sharon Griffith Sapienza, and Frank X Walker. Music by Beth Bingman and Rich Kirby, Karly Dawn Milner and Brett Ratliff.
Reception musicians include (alphabetical):
Mitch Barrett and Carla Gover, Beth Bingman and Rich Kirby, CJ Cain, Jessie Lynne Keltner and Anne Shelby, Karly Dawn Milner, Brett Ratliff, Jesse Wells and Jack Wright.
Parking
Free parking is available in Parking Structure 5 (Cornerstone Garage) across from the Gatton Student Center. Guests may use the third-floor pedestrian bridge for accessible walkway access. Paid parking is available in the Gatton Student Center lot at $2/hour.
Memorial Gifts
Norman’s family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Gurney Norman Appalachian Student Award Gift Fund at the University of Kentucky.
How to give
Online:
By mail:
Make checks payable to “University of Kentucky” and note “Gurney Norman Appalachian Student Award Gift Fund” in the memo line.
UK Philanthropy
PO Box 910628
Lexington, KY 40591
Questions about giving may be directed to Laura Sutton, senior director of philanthropy, at 859-257-3551.