Emma Eliza Smith Newman, 98, of Mayodan, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at UNC-Rockingham Hospital.
A 2:00 p.m. funeral service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Woodbine Baptist Church with Rev. Jeremy Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Beaver Island Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the burial at the cemetery and later at the home of Mrs. Newman. Mrs. Newman will lie in repose at Ray Funeral Home on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.
Emma was born on May 27, 1925, the youngest child of Euel Hunter and Hattie Susan Smith of Rockingham County. She attended Mayodan School from 1931 to 1942 and graduated valedictorian of her class. She went back to take advantage of the 12th grade offered that year for the first time. She went to work for Washington Mills Company as an office clerk immediately after finishing school and worked there for 33 years.
Emma was married in 1946 to Samuel Matthew Newman and they had two children. She stayed home for a short time to be with the children before continuing to work. She retired from the mill company after it moved to Martinsville, Va.
In 1960, Emma and Matthew volunteered to go out of the First Baptist Church, where they were members, along with several other volunteers, under the Pastors (Marvin Southard) leadership to begin a mission in the Woodbine Community. The mission grew into what is now Woodbine Baptist Church. At Woodbine Church she served as Sunday School teacher, church clerk, WMU President, choir member, treasurer for 35 years, and church historian. She also served on the flower committee, finance committee, and building and grounds committee.
Emma has been a member of the Women’s Health Initiative for over 20 years.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents and husband; five brothers, Rufus Smith (Thelma), Harold Smith (infant), Joseph Smith (Edith), Harry Smith (Ethel), Roy Smith (Gracie and Betty); and grandson, Elijah Newman.
Emma is survived by her son, Samuel M. Newman, Jr. “Sandy” (Linda); daughter, Judy Newman Martin (John); grandsons, Matthew Newman (Carrie), Micah Martin (Aubree), Justin Martin, granddaughter-in-law, Gillian Newman; great grandchildren, Eliza Martin, Levi Martin, Alfred Newman, Charlotte Newman, and Theodore Newman; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank special caregivers: Wanda Manuel (5 years), Dale Newman and the staff of UNC Rockingham, Eden, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodbine Baptist Church, 7546 NC 135 HWY, Mayodan, NC 27027, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 77553, or to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
Ray Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Emma Newman and all are invited to share memories and offer condolences at www.rayfuneralhome.com
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