January 6, 2025, 89, Goldsboro —
Margaret Becton Newsome was born on February 4, 1935, in Goldsboro, NC to the late Guilford Becton and Winnie Hubbard Becton. She passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. Margaret attended public schools in Wayne County, graduating from Central High School in 1952. She went on to graduate from North Carolina Central University in 1956 with a dual degree in Health Education and Biology,
On July 6, 1957, she married her loving husband of 52 years, James Arthur Newsome (deceased). To this union three devoted children were born, Kenneth, Sr. (Melba) of District Heights, MD, Galen (Sunnie) of Fayetteville, GA and Tina Lee (Raymond) of Burlington, NJ. She was a faithful member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Washington, DC for many years were she served faithfully on Stewardess Board #3. After relocating to North Carolina, she faithfully attended and later became a member of St. Augustus A.M.E.Z. Church in Kinston, NC.
Margaret was a strong and determined woman who valued education and took great pleasure in being of service to her family, friends and community. While raising her three children and working in the Washington DC public school system as an elementary school teacher, she diligently pursued her post graduate studies earning a Master of Education from Bowie State College in 1980. She taught in the DC public school system for 30 years and retired in 1991. Throughout her life, she deeply touched everyone she came in contact with. She wanted her legacy to reflect “that I tried to help those I love and those in need in any way I could” and she did just that. She served with love, joy and purpose — designing bulletin boards at the church for Black History month and other occasions, tutoring young people, planning benefit events as a life member and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, introducing friends to bible study, donating her time and resources to a community crisis center, volunteering on the campaign of President Barack Obama, serving as treasurer of her high school reunion committee, preparing meals for sick friends, and giving advice to those who saw her as a “second” mom or adopted auntie. She left an unforgettable impact whether she knew you for 50 years or just 5 minutes.
Her family and close friends were extremely important to Margaret. She spent hours at the National Archives researching family genealogy to document her family trees. She enjoyed many family reunions and even hosted a few. She created countless memories and traditions hosting many holiday dinners, cookouts and parties over the years. Cooking for those she loved was just one of her love languages and her kitchen table was where many came not just to break bread but to join in laughter, for a shoulder to cry on, to share joys and accomplishments — to fellowship in love. Her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter were her heart and soul and she had a unique relationship with each of them. She loved them dearly and deeply and was extremely proud of every one of them (as anyone she came in contact with knows –).
Margaret is survived by her three children: six grandchildren, Kenneth Newsome Jr. (Damitra), Jaleesa Newsome, Ciarra Lee, Brandon Lee, Jordan Lee and Sarah Butler; one great granddaughter – Kaycie Newsome; one brother-in-love, David Newsome, Jr. (Ruby) of Goldsboro, NC; co-mother-in-love, Eva Lee; and a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services for Mrs. Newsome are scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, at 12:00 noon at the Allen Chapel AME Church in Washington, DC.
Mrs. Newsome will lie in repose on Thursday, Janaury 16, from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM at Saint James A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 205 S George Street, Goldsboro, North Carolina. A celebration of her life, dedicated to her service to God and humanity, will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Her mortal remains will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Haskins Memorial Services, Inc.
