Thelma Rubynette Newsome was born on January 29, 1937, in Waverly, Virginia. She was one of six siblings born to Ollie and Ruth Smith. "Puddin" as she was affectionately called shared a lifelong close-knit bond with her brothers and sisters Ollie Jr., Henry, Jesse Lee, Gaysella, and Ophelia.  Gaysella was her best friend and they spoke every day. Thelma attended Sussex County Public Schools and eventually moved to New York to find work. As fate would have it she reconnected with her childhood friend, secret crush, and the love of her life George Newsome who had also relocated to New York from Waverly.  George would often tell how he fell in love with the way Thelma wore her hair in "bangs". They married on September 22, 1956, in a beautiful ceremony at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, and had a lavish reception in Harlem.

Thelma and George moved from Brooklyn to Long Island where they purchased a home and raised their two sons Gary and Michael. Thelma worked as a Nurses aide at Coney Island Hospital for many years until she retired and became a full-time Mom. One of her greatest joys was attending church, participating in the Choir, and supporting her Pastors. Reverend Durham (Durham A.M.E. Zion Bayshore, NY), Rev. Sylvester Smith, and Rev. Ronnie Fleming (Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Richmond, Virginia).

Thelma (Puddin) and George (Bozo) loved to entertain and travel. They went to Canada, California, Hawaii, Jamaica, Bermuda just to name a few. They were especially well known for hosting huge weekend backyard BBQ's. George was the ultimate host and Thelma loved to cook and serve friends and family. She always maintained that quiet southern hospitality and always was very humble in her dealings. When George retired they moved from Long Island to Richmond, VA to be near their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The life story of Thelma is truly the life story of George.  They were married 64 years and were literally connected all their life. They would always say that "the key to their success was that they always worked together". George and Thelma loved God, gave freely, loved life, loved friends, loved family, loved each other and impacted the lives of so many in a positive way.

Thelma went home to be with the Lord on November 3 ^rd, 2021.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons Gary (Amanda), Michael (Patricia), Granddaughter Taryn, Grandsons Aaron and Jayson, Great-grandsons Tyler and Timothy, her loyal friend and traveling companion Geraldine Gregory, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

We will deeply miss her quiet strength. Thelma gave us every reason for admiration. She lived graciously and received from life the happiness that comes from giving and loving. There is no greater lesson that we can pass on to the generations coming after us. Thank you for your example and it gives us comfort as we can hear God say, "I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I have carried you since you were born. I will be your God throughout your whole lifetime. -until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will carry you. I will carry you (home) and save you. NLT (Isaiah 46:4).

Public Viewing will be 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday, November 12, 2021, at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue Waverly, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 pm Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Peace Funeral Home Chapel, 237 Railroad Avenue Waverly, Virginia.  Interment at First Baptist Church, Waverly, Virginia.

***Please follow CDC and Virginia guidelines for social distancing and facial covering***