Norma Goldsmith

Norma "Faye" Goldsmith (n�e Whatley) was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 6, 1940. She maintained her southern charm throughout life. Faye migrated to California with her family, settling in Porterville. At Porterville High School, she met and married her high school sweetheart, Doyle "Sonny" Goldsmith, on July 7, 1957. The eager couple woke up their neighbor, who was both a postman and a pastor, and had him marry them on the spot. The following Sunday, that same pastor gave a cautionary sermon about marrying too young, but he wished the couple luck in any case. It must have worked; the pair remained married until the very end. Known for her gracious hospitality, fiery red hair, and southern colloquialisms, Faye claimed to be just a homemaker; however, her entrepreneurial endeavors extended into co-founding and co-owning Day and Night Plumbing with her husband for more than 30 years. She was also part owner of an Exeter restaurant and a Visalia floral shop in the early 1970s. An avid gardener, chef, and crafter, Faye derived joy and pride from creating beauty. She could often be found in her garden, so lovely it was once featured in a home and garden tour. Creative and artistic with an amazing eye for balance, she focused on interior decorating, a main outlet for her creativity over the years. Her culinary skills were adeptly displayed in her gorgeous and delicious baked goods, said to rival any French bakery. Later in life, by necessity, she honed her skills by making those same desserts gluten free. As a seamstress, she could sew anything, making suits for her husband, her own drapery, furniture upholstery, and prize-winning quilts. For all of her own accomplishments, her proudest moments were watching her daughter earn her doctorate degree and later becoming President of Fresno City College. While her passing was unexpected, she left as she lived, with ease and grace, her loving husband and devoted daughter by her side. Her parents, Velma and Clarence Whatley, and her brother Ray Whatley, all of Porterville, California, preceded Faye in death. She survived by husband, Doyle "Sonny" Goldsmith; daughter, Dr. Carole Goldsmith; grandchildren, Chad Dobbs, Chelsea Dobbs; great grandson, Nathan Dobbs; nieces, Laura Marshall and her husband, Todd; Shelly Minimmi and her husband, Michael; nephew, Larry Goldsmith; sister-in-law Sharyn Schelling and her husband Robert; and Faye's two doting Papillions, Foxy and Roxy. The family would like to thank pallbearers: Chad Dobbs, JR Arias, Mark Brooks, Vicki Hurd, Jim Sandifer, and Allison Shuklian Services for Norma Faye Goldsmith: Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel 127 E. Caldwell Avenue Visalia, California Graveside Service immediately following: Visalia Cemetery 1300 W Goshen Avenue Visalia California In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Faye's honor to: Friends of Tulare County (559) 624-8000 FriendsTC@tularehhsa.org

Norma Goldsmith

April 6, 1940 - January 21, 2018