Who is Pettis Norman’s Wife, Ivette? All About Ex-Cowboys TE’s Wife, Parents, Kids & more

Heartbreak hit Cowboys Nation recently. Pettis Norman—the legendary tight end who wore the Star with pride—has passed away at 86. The team broke the news Monday, and you could feel the loss echo across the Lone Star State. “We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman,” the Cowboys wrote. “Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently.”

However, beyond the touchdowns and accolades, Norman was first and always a family man. His loved ones painted the real picture in their farewell: “[Norman] passed away peacefully in his sleep… surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, grandson, and great grandchildren.” Those words say it all. He lived his final moment just like he lived his life—embraced by love.

On the field, his story had grit written all over it. Yet, in the middle of all the honors and headlines, one name rarely gets mentioned — Ivette, his wife. So who is she? The woman who stood by his side in the quiet moments, long before and long after the roar of the crowd faded. She was there in the end, with their daughters, grandson, and great-grandkids holding the man the world cheered for, not as a football legend, but as a husband, father, and great-grandfather.

Before Pettis Norman ever made noise on the field in Big D, his roots ran deep in Lincolnton, Georgia. Later, he moved to Charlotte, where he stood out in football and baseball at West Charlotte High. His parents, Fessor Norman and Elease Booker Norman, laid the foundation. Though life dealt him a tough hand early, he once said, “I was fortunate that my father was a mentor before losing him at age ten.” But he didn’t walk that path alone for long.

Moving forward, it was at Northwest Junior High that young Pettis met his first love. On December 22, 1962, he married his junior high sweetheart, Margaret Ann Clinkscales. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters. After losing Margaret in 1991, he held on tight to his daughters, Sharneen (who was reportedly killed in Dallas in 2014), Sedonna, and Shandra.

Then again, love had a second act. In 1995, he married Ivette Hightower. Her father, Master Chief Harry Hightower, was a proud naval officer. And yes, the iconic Reverend Jesse Jackson officiated their wedding. Norman also has cherished grandson Alex and two great-grandchildren.

All in all, Norman always said he owed his journey to “his mother and father, family, friends, educators, coaches and his faith in God.” That was the village behind the legend.

Pettis Norman left a legacy behind…..

In his professional phase, the Dallas Texans drafted Norman in 1962 (in the 16th round), but he never suited up for them. Instead, he bet on himself—and The Star—joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. From 1962 to 1970, he racked up 124 catches, 1,672 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Later, with the Chargers, he added another 820 yards over three seasons. But the numbers were just a chapter.

His real legacy lives on in the Hall of Fames he entered—from the CIAA in ’77 to the Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, and his tribute as a Dallas/Fort Worth Black Living Legend in 2017. His hometown of Mecklenburg also gave him a spot on their Sports Wall of Fame, a reminder that he belonged to many, not just one city.

“A strong advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected business executive and civic leader,” his loved ones share. “He leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy on behalf of underserved people, and a deep commitment to his community.” No doubt, Norman’s mission was never just about football. It was about fairness, dignity, and paving the road for others.

Rest in peace, Mr. Pettis Norman!