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Descendant
of Norcross' namesake
visits, talks at high school dedication
By
Elliott Brack
editor and publisher
GwinnettForum.com
NOV. 16, 2001 - - He is a jaunty, cordial Englishman, from Hastings
in Sussex, and he found a real link to Gwinnett. You might tell
it from his name, Derrick Norcross. That's right, he's probably
kin to the namesake of Gwinnett's Norcross, Ga.
The English Norcross was visiting this week, in fact was the dedicatory
speaker Sunday at the new Norcross High. It was a fitting setting
for a retired educator and principal.
Derrick Norcross first learned of his link to the City of Norcross
when touring 22 cities in this country in 12 weeks as a Page Ambassador
back in 1984. (Page Ambassadors are name for a former U.S. ambassador
to English, who's will provided grants for educators to visit the
States.)
In 1984, Norcross was at an official reception for him at the Atlanta
History Center, and saw a photo of town namesake Jonathan Norcross.
The caption was covered over the picture, but he still said instantly:
"That's the devil (likeness) of my grandfather. Then when I
saw the caption, I could not believe it." He also talked back
in 1984 with a descendant of Jonathan, the late Otis Norcross. His
widow visited Derrick Sunday at Norcross High.
Derrick Norcross feels he is directly related to the US Norcross
family. "We've got to be related," he says. "There
are only about 5,000 people with the Norcross surname in the world.
And the census of 1851 said there were only five families with that
name. And Jonathan claimed that his family came from Ribchester
in Lancashire, and that's where my family is from."
(That's the same area where Queen Elizabeth has said that if she
were not queen, she would live in nearby Trough-of-Boland.)
Mr. Norcross, now a spry 72, has just returned from a trip to China.
"There was supposed to be 42 people on the trip, but we left
England Sept. 11, and had only nine, since many Americans who were
supposed to go with us could not fly on that date because of the
terrorism tragedy." However, four Americans, including two
from Young Harris, Ga. were on the trip. He was visiting the Georgians
in Young Harris after in Norcross.
Retired now for 10 years, he has been active in politics, as chairman
of his 70 member County Council. The county council levies taxes
and has administrative authority over transportation, education,
public health and such. East Sussex is a county of a million people.
He's also the Queen's representative in his county as a deputy
lieutenant. "We represent her interests in East Sussex,"
he says. "Actually, that's done by the Lord Lieutenant, and
I'm one of several deputies."
The relationship between Derrick and the City of Norcross blossomed
two summers ago when Norcross Mayor Lillian Webb learned of Derrick
Norcross' family connection. Vacationing in England, Mrs. Webb even
attended Derrick's daughter's wedding, and gave him the keys to
the city.
"I guess the locksmiths were busy after that changing everybody's
locks," Derrick cracks. Later, Mrs. Webb invited him to come
to Norcross, and so he became the key speaker for the high school
dedication, a fitting tribute for an educator.
Somehow, we know old Jonathan Norcross would be proud of Derrick
Norcross as he visited the namesake city this week.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Gwinnett Community Foundation helps mark Foundation week
DULUTH - - The Gwinnett Community Foundation is joining more than
580 community foundations across the country for Community Foundation
Week, November 12-16, to recognize charitable giving on both the
national and local levels. Community foundations are one of the
fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in the United States today.
Foundation Director Joe Estafan says of the foundation: "Donors
can address specific needs of those less fortunate, whether it is
medical, shelter or food. Donors can fund local arts programs for
the community. Donors can provide scholarship opportunities to specific
schools or throughout the community. The Foundation will enable
you to maximize your philanthropic dollars."
The Gwinnett Community Foundation impacted the community in 2000
with $1.7 million in grants benefiting 130+ programs in the county
and surrounding region. The mission of the Foundation is 'Building
a stronger future…today.' To become involved, contact the Gwinnett
Community Foundation, at 770-813-3380.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
On long walks
"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people
who annoy me."
- - Noel Coward (1899 - 1973).
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