Norman "Pops" Ellis Ammons

Norman Ellis Ammons, lovingly known to his family as “Pops,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 21, 2025. He had just celebrated his 83rd birthday on October 30th.

Born and raised in Port Gibson, Norman graduated from Port Gibson High School before attending Ole Miss and later completing his commercial arts degree at Southern. He also served his country for a short time in the Army National Guard.

Norman’s love for art thrived in the ‘60s while he was in college, where he became an avid watercolor artist. His talent led him to sell and mass-produce many of his creations. Together with his family, he established Ammons Frame Shop, first in Port Gibson and later in Jackson, where he showcased some of his paintings and unique collectibles.

After retiring from Mississippi Valley Gas Co., Norman returned to Port Gibson in 2000. He and his mother renovated and expanded their small purchase at Lake Claiborne and created a cherished retreat for family and friends. Their home became a mini-museum, filled with Mississippi art and pottery. Norman treasured his collection of original Walter Anderson block prints, which he often hand-painted and gifted to loved ones. Norman loved his mother, Ethel, so much and took great care of her until her passing in 2008.

Norman became quite the cook and loved making “Aunt Savannaha’s Cheese wafers, “Caint Stop Cookies” and other treats for his grandchildren. He loved lake life —boating and riding around with his beloved dogs in his ‘69 convertible Mustang, humming or whistling as he went.

His social, out-going personality made him the life of the party and if you needed a dance partner, Norman was your man! Boy, did he love to dance, often embarrassing his family doing the “Alligator.” In the past you could find him, his cousins, and friends doing the “Bop.”

He had quite the green thumb and loved tending to his plants and flowers. He often told a story of having an original clipping of a shamrock that supposedly came over on the Mayflower—a tale his family loved whether true or not. One of his favorite plants, a Christmas cactus, bloomed on the morning of his passing, a cherished sign from heaven to his family.

In November 2011, Norman married his beloved wife, Martha Hill Ammons. Together they continued to make their home at the lake even more impressive by adding several pieces of her collection to the house. Even through recent health challenges, Norman remained joyful, grateful, and easygoing, always wearing his familiar smile. His family is deeply thankful for the love, support, and prayers from our friends throughout this time.

Norman was a longtime member of Port Gibson Baptist Church and, upon marrying Martha, joined St. James Episcopal Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Howell Ammons I and Ethel Massey Ammons; his brother, John Charles Ammons Sr.; and his nephew, Keith Howell Ammons. He is also reunited with many beloved dogs: Bubble Gum, Chow Dawg, Snoopy, Magic, Destin, Doodle, Maggie, Gibson, Lucky Dawg, and Belle.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Hill Ammons; his eldest son, John Howell Ammons II, and John’s daughters Devin Taylor Ammons, Alexis Ruth “Alli” Ammons, and great-grandson Daniel Camp; as well as his youngest son, Jay B. Ammons, and wife Jenifer Dixon Ammons, and their sons Warren Ellis Ammons and Weston James Ammons.

“Party’s over, Pops!” Rest easy in the arms of Jesus. We will always love you!

Visitation will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 809 Church St. Port Gibson, Mississippi, 39150, on Wednesday, November 26th at 12:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service following at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Children’s of Mississippi

Office of Development

2500 North State St.

Jackson,MS 39216

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