News Summary
Norma Jean Yocum Harlan, a beloved resident of Asheville, North Carolina, has died at the age of 96 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Survived by her two sons and grandchildren, Norma dedicated her later years to the Deerfield Retirement Community and made significant contributions to her local community. The family expresses gratitude for the compassionate care she received during her illness.
Asheville, North Carolina
Norma Jean Yocum Harlan, a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, has passed away at the age of 96 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death occurred on June 7, 2025. Norma was well-loved and is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Born on April 26, 1929, in Warrenton, Missouri, Norma dedicated her later years to the Deerfield Retirement Community in Asheville, where she lived for over 25 years. She received compassionate care during her illness, with special acknowledgment to the medical team at the Messino Cancer Center, including Dr. Martin Palmeri and Nicole Crane. The family expressed gratitude for the end-of-life care provided by Delaina Davis, Dr. Will McLean, as well as the skilled nursing staff at Deerfield and the employees of Four Seasons Hospice.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Marion Harlan, and siblings, including two brothers and one sister. Despite the challenges she faced during her illness, she remained a source of strength and support for her family and friends.
Survived by Family
Norma is survived by her two sons: Steve Harlan, married to Katheryn, residing in Hickory, North Carolina, and Kevin Harlan, married to Mary Kaye, of St. Louis, Missouri. The remarkable legacy she leaves behind includes four loving grandchildren and three adoring great-grandchildren, highlighting her role as a cherished matriarch within her family.
Memorial Arrangements
Plans for a private interment service are to be announced at a later date. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the following organizations in memory of Norma:
- Salvation Army of Buncombe County, P.O. Box 1778, Asheville, NC 28802.
- Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Community Contributions
Norma was known not only for her dedication to her family but also for her contributions to her local community in Asheville. Her long residency in the Deerfield Retirement Community provided her with opportunities to form deep bonds with residents and staff alike. The family has expressed their heartfelt thanks for the respectful and warm treatment they received from the staff at Deerfield.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is currently assisting the Harlan family during this difficult time. The community remembers Norma as a vibrant individual whose spirit touched many lives. Her family looks forward to celebrating her life and the legacy of love and support she provided to her loved ones.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
