Thelma Bernice Newman

During the twilight hours of Wednesday June 13, 2018, just before the birds began to sing, Thelma Bernice Newman followed the leading of the eternal still, small voice. She completed her earthly journey, which began on January 2, 1919 -- just six months before turning one hundred years old. It might not get one into heaven, but for off the earth ninety-nine and a half will do. She was the first child born to Albert and Myrtle Scott. Preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Herbert L. Newman, Sr.; and her third child, Harold Dwight; she leaves memories in the minds of her remaining children: Herbert Leon, Jr. (Joyce), Velda Smith, Sharon Campbell, Herchel (Leondra), Glenneth (Howard) Tillman, Howard Graling (Eugenia) Newman, and daughter-in-love Mary Esther “Queen” Newman. Grandchildren number eighteen, while great-grandchildren number thirty-seven. Families grow, and so at this time there are nine great-great-grands. The heart of a loving mother makes room for one more, and just one more go into the number are Foster Children: Vonzile Porter, Brenda Walker, Ella Kemp, Earnest Andrews, and Mary Ross. God-children are Carol Harmon and Carla Smith Jones. No matter the title of the children she gave love without measure. Husband called her Sport as a pet name. To the children she was Mother. To her gaggle of grands she was Mam Mam. Then there was her other title used by more than can be numbered: Aunt Bernice. So many wanted to be included in the number to love and be loved by her. During a span of her ailing years Ronda Carter opened her heart to love her as a caregiver in a very special way. Mrs. Newman, lived most of her life on the Hilltop in Columbus, Ohio. Her mother made a home for her and her brother Harold there after the death of her husband, Albert. After marriage, her family lived in the Short North part of Columbus known as Fly Town before moving once again to the Hilltop. She attended West High School. Later, she was the class leader when she graduated from Porro School of Cosmetology. She was proud of the accomplishment. She used her skills to make ladies lovely and to make money to help support her family. The Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith was her church home, pastored by the late Bishop K. F. Smith and later, by Elder Earnest Hardy. She was secretary there, but where she was most likely to be seen was working in the church cafeteria alongside her mother. Her love of Christian marriage and family prompted her and her husband to form and lead married couples in the ways of Couples Of Pentecostal Experience. Because of her knowledge of etiquette and eye for elegance, she was often sought after as a wedding coordinator. With the founding of New Covenant Believers’ Church, she became a member and supporter of the vision of Pastor/Elder/Bishop Howard Tillman until the time of her passing. No accomplishment overrides her greatest love and joy in life. She loved her husband, and from time to time still referred to him as her boyfriend. Her joy was her children. She was a mother in the truest sense of nurturing. Certainly there were hard times to get through, but she had a prayer life, an enduring faith in God, and a sense of humor to draw out the light side of life. She ate the unleavened bread which represented the body of Christ. She drank the wine that represented the life blood of Jesus. She has passed from death into life and can now hear the birds sing. Amen, Amen and Amen Submitted by the immediate family