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December 21, 1950 – February 14, 2024

AHOSKIE – John L. Newsome passed away peacefully at home after a brief battle with pneumonia in the early morning of February 14th at the age of 73.

He was a graduate of Ahoskie High School, Class of 1969. After attending Elon University, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in political science. He received a master’s degree in history from East Carolina University in Greenville and taught social studies at Hertford County Middle School for six years.

He joined the Greene-Bryant Insurance Agency in Ahoskie in the early 1980’s and later opened and operated his own insurance company, the Newsome Agency, for over 35 years, retiring in 2017. Associated with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance for 25 years, he received numerous producer awards, as well as recognition from other companies for client services.

John was an avid sports fan and enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball for several years. He liked to watch football, tennis, and baseball, and counted Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter (while he was with the Yankees) as one of his friends. He followed his namesake’s (Notre Dame Football player Johnny Lujack) career throughout his life.

He loved listening to George Strait, reading books about history, and watching his kids play sports. He and daughter, Holli, traveled the state of North Carolina for NC Junior Tennis tournaments while she was in school. He was so proud when son, Jamie, would dunk the ball at high school basketball games.

John was a lifelong member of the Ahoskie First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and member of the Trust Committee.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lisa, of the home; daughter, Holli (Bryan), of Raleigh; son, Jamie (Erin) of Raleigh; brother, Henry Newsome, of Chesapeake, Virginia; three grandchildren, Elliette, age 10; Adeline, age 5, and Rory, age 1 year; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents Goldie and Lloyd I. Newsome; brother, Lloyd I. Newsome, Jr.; and brother, Jack Newsome.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial donations be made in memory of John to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com, search fund, type- John Newsome.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday, February 19, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie with a graveside service to follow at Ahoskie Cemetery. The family will greet guests at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, at the gravesite, and at the home on Early Station Road at other times.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is entrusted with handling the arrangements for the Newsome family. To offer condolences and share memories, please visit www.garrettsykesfs.com.