Shirley N. Newby

In Loving Memory of Shirley R. Newby

96 Years Loved: A Life Well-Lived and Well-Loved

“This is my story, this is my song, I am praising my Savior all the Day Long.”

Our beautiful Queen, Mother, Mama, “Mom,” Shirley Rozelia Newby, 96 years young, crossed over peacefully into her Heavenly home, early on Saturday morning April 19, 2025. When she entered the gateway of Heaven through those pearly gates and walked on the streets made of pure gold, there stood Jesus with His outstretched arms welcoming her into them. Like a little girl, she ran into His arms, singing on this glorious day, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. No turning back.”

Preceded in her death are her brothers, Guerney Newby, Lee Andrew Newby, Cleveland Newby, and Joseph Newby; one sister, Sterlia Mae Newby, and granddaughter, Brenda C. Gafford.

Shirley R/ Newby was born on May 30, 1928, in Surry County, Virginia to the late Guerney Newby and Lucy Berry. She attended public school in Surry County, Virginia. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, she was baptized and joined the Cypress Baptist Church in Elberon, Virginia. She became a pillar of strength in her church, serving on the Pastor’s Aide, Sunday School and Missionary Departments, and the Senior Choir. Whatever her hands found to do, she did it with all her might as God led her. She loved traveling with her church to varies ministries,conferences, workshops, and singing with the traveling choir,

The Smithfield Times chose her as “The Best Mom” in celebration of Mother’s Day in May 2018, based on an entry submitted by her daughter Claudia Newby-Tynes. She worked with the Surry County School System as a Cafeteria Worker until her retirement in May 2000. In addition to her biological children, she had many spiritual and bonus children. They say, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” she could’ve had her own TV Show, “Everybody Loves “Mama” Shirley. If you know You Know (IYKYK).

Shirley married the late Edgar Newby, Jr., and unto this union, four children were born. Her legacy and cherished memories will live on in and through her four children: Edgar E. Newby III, Smithfield, Virginia; Norman L. Newby (Dorothy),Fort Washington, Maryland; Sterlia N. Johnson (Milton), Temple Hills, Maryland; and Claudia Newby-Tynes (Pernell); Smithfield, Virginia. She has five Grandchildren, Edgar (Eddie) Newby, Wayne Newby, Milton Johnson, Jr., Rodney Tynes, and Michael Newby, and one great granddaughter, Phoenix Johnson. She has one sister, Audrey Tucker of Smithfield, Virginia: and two sisters-in-law Elizabeth Newby and Dorothy Newby. Also, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Shirley enjoyed working word searches and reading the scriptures, especially her two favorites, Psalm 23 and Psalm 91, which she made a daily part of her devotions. Some of her favorite TV shows were Family Feud, Matlock, Columbo, and Perry Mason. She loved cooking and baking. Her signature cake was her lemon pound cake. In addition to baking cakes for family members, she baked and gave her signature lemon pound cake to others on special occasions and holidays.  Mama Shirely, as some affectionally called her, your earthly presence is already missed by so many people, but your spiritual presence and legacy will live on in and through the hearts of every life you’ve touched.

So, today is not “Good-bye.” Today is,” We’ll see you later.”

Shirley N. Newby transitioned from this life on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Elberon,Va.

On Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 am a Celebration of Life will be held at Shivers Funeral Chapel. The only viewing will be from 9-11 am on the day of the service. Please keep the Newby family in your prayers.