John B. Newsom

Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at New Hebron Baptist Church for Mr. John B. Newsom, III. Interment followed at New Hebron Cemetery. Rev. Derek Lambert officiated. Pall bearers were John B. Newsom V, Nicholas Newsom, Matthew Melzer, Myles Riley, Josh Yarbrough and Jason Yarbrough. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss was in charge of all arrangements. John B. Newsom III went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 5, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born at home in New Hebron, MS on July 8, 1924. He was the first born child of John B. Newsom II and Myrtle Augusta Berry. Mr. Newsom worked as a heavy equipment salesman for many years traveling all over South Central Mississippi. He was known by his colleagues and friends as “Big John”. He was a “people person” who will always be remembered as “The man with the big hands” and big smile. As an Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Newsom was filled with patriotism and love for his country and was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and the NRA. He also served on the Lawrence County School Board and on the Advisory Board of the Southwest Agency for Aging. His love and devotion for his family was evident as he was an active participant in every facet of his children and grandchildren’s lives. He will always be affectionately remembered as “Granddaddy”. Mr. Newsom was an active member of New Hebron Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of New Hebron, MS. Mr. Newsom is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Askin Newsom; three children, Becky Yarbrough (James), John B. “Buddy” Newsom IV (Sharon), Pam Melzer; seven grandchildren: Miles Riley (Michelle), Christi Chavis (Mark), Josh Yarbrough (Robin), Jason Yarbrough (Carrie), Matthew Melzer (Meike), John B. Newsom V, Nicholas Newsom and twelve great grandchildren; one sister, Genevieve Harris of Hazlehurst, MS; and two brothers, Frank Newsom of Columbus, MS and James A. Newsom of Pearland, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Beverly Jo, a sister Peggy Rube and a brother Fred G. Newsom. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Building Fund of New Hebron Baptist Church.