Obituaries
Newsome's Namesake Mourns the Death of His Wife, Velma Jean
Velma Jean Newsome, the wife of Joe E. Newsome, the namesake of Newsome High School and a Hillsborough County School Board member for more than 25 years, died July 16. She was 68.
A member of the First Baptist Church of Plant City, Velma Jean Newsome, 68, died in her home on Monday, July 16, survived by her husband of 49 years, Joe E. Newsome, the namesake of the high school on FishHawk Boulevard.
Born Feb. 19 1944 to the late Steve and Obera Simmons, Velma Jean Newsome "was a loving wife, mother and grandmother."
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She is survived by her husband, a longtime Plant City pharmacist, who served on the Hillsborough County School Board for more than 25 years. Survivors include as well her children, Dee Parker, Katie Varnum and Dennis Newsome, and their respective spouses, Kenneth, Scott and Melissa; sisters, Marvella Harrell, Dell Ritter and Joann Woods; eight grandchildren and "many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends."
A Celebration of Life is scheuled for Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Plant City, at 503 North Palmer St., where the family will receive friends beginning at 5 p.m.
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In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions to Steppin' Stone Farm, 8421 Pritcher Road, Lithia, Fla. 33547. Or, to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Pkwy., Suite 100, Temple Terrace, Fla. 33637.
Offer online condolences at the Web site for Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Garden
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