Born May 12, 1922 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, she was the first of two daughters born to Fred Edwards and Jennie Mae Edwards Varnell. She lost her father at a very young age, and the family moved to Tarboro, which she always considered home. At Tarboro High School, she was known as “Songbird” for her delicate singing voice. Following graduation, she attended business school.
Mrs. Newsome married her soul mate, George Hassell Newsome, Sr., on January 9, 1946. They lived for a short time in Durham before settling down in Raleigh. There she took on her most cherished role, as mother to their two children.
She began working in the North Carolina General Assembly in 1958, and remained there until her retirement. For most of her career, she was Chief Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Administrative Assistant to Senator Kenneth Royall, Majority Leader.
Friends and community meant the world to her, and she dedicated her life to many organizations including the Green Thumb Garden Club, three Bridge Clubs, the General Assembly Book Club and the Woman’s Club of Raleigh. She held executive office positions in most of these groups.
Her deep faith brought her to Ridge Road Baptist Church in 1958 where she was a long-time member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She was active in WMU and often served as leader of her Circle. She volunteered countless hours in the Church nursery, Vacation Bible School and several committees.
A doting Nana, she treasured her five grandchildren; Elissa Smith Fowler (husband Preston) of Atlanta, Ashley Lauren Mullin (husband Ryan) of Indianapolis, Ryan Madison Smith (wife Martha) of Wilmington, Connor Dylan Newsome, and Logan George Newsome, both of Monroe. Four great-granddaughters will now follow her example of love and kindness: Lola Jane Mullin, Madison Loraine Gale Fowler, Presley Parker Fowler and Zoe Elise Smith.
Preceding her in death were her parents, stepfather, Joseph Varnell, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Loraine Newsome Smith and husband Witte of Winston-Salem, son George Hassell Newsome, Jr. and wife Noel of Monroe, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, Mildred Edwards Armstrong, and many nieces and nephews.
Her loved ones express their most heartfelt thanks to the staff of Vienna Village Assisted Living in Pfafftown, who have tended to Mrs. Newsome as if she were a member of their own families. The compassionate care she received made the last years of her life more comfortable.
Funeral will be Monday, 2pm at Ridge Road Baptist Church, Raleigh. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private at Montlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials suggested to Ridge Road Baptist, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh.
Condolences may be made through www.brownwynne.com.
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