Doretha P. Newsome

On Monday August 14, 2017, our all wise God, called our mother, grandmother, and friend, Doretha P. Newsome home to her eternal rest.

Doretha was affectionally known to family and friends as “Rita”  born on May 2, 1932.  Her parents were the late Glaster and Irene Peoples from Drewryville Virginia.  She was the 3rd child of five children.   Doretha grew up in Drewryville Virginia and was educated through the Drewryville Public School System. 

Doretha was married to the late Lawrence Hardy “Dick” Newsome and was blessed with five beautiful children James, Don, Sheldon (Boo Baby), Glaster, and Eric.

Later Doretha left Drewryville, Virginia and moved to New Jersey where she worked for Perry’s Cleaners as a receptionist for many years.  After retiring Rita moved back to Suffolk, Virginia to be closer to family and friends. 

She gave her life to Christ at an early age.  She was a devoted member of New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church.  She served on the Mother’s Board and sang in the church Mass Choir.   Through her joining, the church blessed her faith and understanding of Christ which has helped her to endure many trials and tribulations in her life.

Doretha was always making jokes and enjoyed making people laugh.  Doretha loved her family.  They were the topic of all of her conversations.  No one was a stranger to her but everyone was family. 

She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence Hardy “Dick” Newsome, her mother and father Glaster and Irene Peoples, her sisters Ann Lee Pittman, Beatrice Ricks, two brothers Rudolph Peoples, and James Wilson Peoples, her son Don Wayne Newsome Sr. and daughter Sheldon L. “Boo Baby” Newsome.

She leaves to cherish her memory:  three sons James Lawrence Newsome (Phayi), Glaster Peoples, and Eric Johnson,  13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and a special friend June Bug.  Rita will truly be missed.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017, 11 am, at New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, 720 Hosier Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434.  Viewing will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017, from 12 Noon to 6 pm at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, Virginia 23434.  Corprew Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is in charge.