Obituary of Lelia Florence Newman

"Count no man/woman happy till the hour of his/her death, when he/she is free of pain at last." Oedipus Rex Mama is finally happy and free. Lelia Florence Newman died Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Autumn Care Health and Rehab in Altavista, VA. Born September 12, 1914, she died just shy of her 100th birthday. Married four times, she finally found the love of her life in Robert Edmond "Ed" Newman, who predeceased her in 2008. She was also preceded in death by five of her ten children: William Ronald Brewer, Susie Ann Wood, Douglas Thomas Brewer, Charles Richard Brewer, Sr., and Ileen Trimble. She is survived by her sons: James Lee Brewer (Nancy) of Winston-Salem, NC; Robert Eddie Brewer, of Delmar, MD; Chapman Leonard (Marcia), of Pfafftown, NC; and Bruce Testerman (Michele) of Long Island, VA., and her daugher, Rosemary Dalton (Dennis) of Fort Meade, FL. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In addition to being the mother of ten of her own children, she was mother to countless others who loved her and called her "Mama" or "Granny." The family wishes to express appreciation to all the staff at Autumn Care Health and Rehab in Altavista, VA for their special care and love for our Mama. Thanks to all her friends who were faithful to visit and especially to Virginia Gay Tweedy for her constant attention and love she showed to Mama for many years. Bruce and Rosemary are especially thankful for Virginia's being there in their place on so many occasions. There will be a visitation Friday evening, July 4, 2014, at Updike Funeral Home in Huddleston from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and a graveside service at Union Chapel Community Church Saturday July 5 at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Joanne Newman officiating. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.