Norman Lester DeCosta

Mr. Norman Lester DeCosta, age 86 of Nashville, formerly of Atkinson County, passed away Monday morning, July 27, 2009 at Louis Smith Memorial Hospital in Lakeland, Ga. following an extended illness. A native of Portland Oregon, Mr. DeCosta was born on June 26, 1923 son of John and Nora DeCosta. Mr. DeCosta was a retired self-employed landscaper and a member of Kirkland United Methodist Church in Pearson, Ga. He was a US Army WWII Veteran and was said by all not to only be a good father and husband, but a good man. Mr. DeCosta was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Eileen Edith DeCosta, and step-grandson, Kenneth Dale Moore. Survivors include: Wife: Vernell DeCosta of Nashville, Ga. 2 Daughters: Jeannette Nugent and husband Patrick M. of Pearson, Ga. Nannette Wood and husband Carl W. of Pearson, Ga. 1 Son: John DeCosta Sr. and wife Nancy of Atkinson County, Ga. 2 Step-Sons: Steven Jenkins and wife Virginia of Ellijay, Ga. Kenneth Jenkins and wife Anna, of Zephyr Hills, Ga. 2 Step-Daughters: Kathy Swain of Albany, Ga. Jenny Howard and husband Dale of Doles, Ga. 9 Grandchildren, 10 Step Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren, 11 Step Great-Grandchildren also survive. Funeral Services for Mr. DeCosta were held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Kirkland United Methodist Church in Kirkland, Ga. with Rev. Ray Bitner officiating. Special musical selections included, "Beulah Land", and "Amazing Grace" rendered by Charles and Tammy Wood with Charles Wood on guitar. The interment followed in Kirkland United Methodist Church Cemetery with special song, "Daddy's Hands" rendered by soloist Tammy Wood with tape accompaniment. Military Honors were rendered by a US Army Honor Guard Unit from Ft. Stewart, Ga. Serving as active pallbearers were: Norman DeCosta, Lester Nugent, John DeCosta, Jr., Todd Jenkins, Jason Jenkins, and Jerry Goodson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be: Members of Kirkland United Methodist Church and the SWMA. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Georgia was in charge of the arrangements. Sympathies may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.relihanfuneralhome.com.