Thelma Mae (Allen) Newman

Thelma Mae (Allen) Newman, 85, widow of George William Thomas Stuart Newman, Sr., of Staunton, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville. 
Mrs. Newman was born in Grottoes, Virginia on March 16, 1940, a daughter of the late Nathaniel “Buck” Allen and Mary Magdalene (McCauley) Allen. 
Thelma was a devoted life member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a former Sunday school teacher, missionary, on the kitchen committee, as a deaconess, church historian, and chairwoman of the board of trustees. In her earlier years, she worked as a substitute teacher in the Augusta County School System then later at JCPenney. Following her leave from JCPenney, Thelma began her career at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center, where she retired as a supervisor, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication.
Mrs. Newman was deeply involved in her community, serving on numerous committees. She was a past president of the local NAACP, a co-founder of the African American Heritage Festival, and the founder of the “Celebration of Holiday Lights” at Gypsy Hill Park. Her voice and perspective were also shared through many published articles in the Staunton News Leader.
In her free time, Thelma loved baking cakes and cooking for her family, especially during the holidays. These were her special ways of showing love and bringing everyone together. She also enjoyed talking on the phone, staying in touch with family and friends near and far. Another of Thelma’s favorite pastimes was tending to her flower garden, where she found peace and fulfillment in nurturing beauty and growth. But perhaps her most enduring quality was her selfless dedication to others. Whether through her church, community initiatives, or daily acts of kindness, she was always doing for others, embodying the spirit of service in all aspects of her life. 
Mrs. Newman was the last surviving member of her immediate family. 
In addition to her husband of 63 years, Mrs. Newman was preceded in death by a son, George W. Newman, Jr.; and a number of brothers and sisters. 
Surviving, is a daughter, Kathy Y. Newman of Staunton; a son, Thomas K. Newman and his fiancée, Anne Johnston of Staunton; a grandson, Tyler A. K. Newman and his wife, Tamara; four great-grandchildren, Kyrie Aspen Kynnedi Newman, Makenna Thompson, Madelyn Thompson, and Kinslee Naomi-Ann Richardson; an extra special and loving friend, Evette Davenport; a number of nieces and nephews; and her pet dog, “Diva” and pet cat, “Ebony”.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory. 
In keeping with Mrs. Newman’s wishes, there will be no public viewing.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Bishop Dr. Michael Turner.
Entombment will follow in Oaklawn Mausoleum. 
Active pallbearers will be Tyler Newman, Robert Carter, Cedric Allen, Herman McCarthy, Garland Allen, Jr., Torrance Mack, and Steve Johnson. 
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net