Thelma Edwards Newman

OXFORD- Thelma Edwards Newman, 87, of Watkins Road, died Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at her home. Born November 13, 1938 in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late Ada Hoyle Edwards and Raymond Louis Edwards and was the widow of James Willie Newman, Jr.

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 3:30 P.M. at Sunset Gardens Cemetery by Rev. William Wheeler.

Mrs. Newman is survived by a daughter, Beverly Newman Averette (Jimmy) of Oxford; five grandchildren, Alicia Blankenship (Wesley), Michelle Riggan (Christopher), Darrell Averette (Madolin), Cheyenne Yarborough and Elizabeth Yarborough; six great grandchildren, Aubrey Thompson, Kadence Riggan, Gavin Riggan, Clark Averette, Waylon Averette and Lacymae Averette; and a sister, Geraldine Effinger (Louis) of Henderson.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela N. Yarborough; her son, James Louis “Jimmy” Newman; and two sisters, Barbara Jarrell and Bonnie Rose Buhrmester.

The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3:00 P.M. at Sunset Gardens; at other times they will be at the home of Darrell and Madolin Averette, 4630 Old NC Hwy 75, Oxford, NC 27565.