Tina Newsome

Reflections of Life

What can you say about a woman who meant so much to so many?

A standard template for an obituary would serve her no justice. She was beyond typical. Not your average “lady.” She was a daughter, a loyal sister, an aunt, a cousin, she was a friend, a confidant, a companion; she was a mother, and grandmother.

If you met her and asked where she was from, she was quick to respond, a little old cow town, called Columbus, Ohio. She was the youngest of three children born to the late Barbara Ann Newsome on October 20, 1957 – since she is watching from heaven, we finally have permission to give the year. Her favorite color was Orange or Purple, favorite movie, Preacher Wife, favorite singer, Mahalia Jackson, favorite song, Mary Mary (Can’t Give Up Now).

Over the years, Tina held several job positions. From 2000 through 2015 she was employed with Amethyst, Inc., Columbus, OH. There she was an Engagement Counselor (2013–2015) providing engagement and outreach to homeless shelters, engagement centers, and outpatient treatment services for women in need of addiction treatment. She also was a Case Manager (2000–2013) working with women who were diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health issues.

In 2015 she was employed with Volunteers of America (VFF) Veterans and Family First until her passing. There she was a Case Manager II providing individual case management and outreach to homeless veterans, in need of shelter and housing. She later moved up to Housing Coordinator providing housing counseling and outreach for the veterans in shelter that are homeless and seeking housing assistance.

Tina was a graduate of Eastmoor High School, class of 1975. Some years later she earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Columbus State Community in December 2007. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Ohio Chrisitan University in January 2011. Finally, she received her Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Ohio Christian University in 2015.

Her licensure and certification included Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) in 1999 to present, and Social Work Assistant (SWA) 2008 to present.

In 2009 she received the Randll M. Dana Award of Excellence from the ADAMH Board of Franklin County The award is awarded to an individual who works within the system of core who shows a great level of commitment in the system and to its consumers and family members. The press release for this award stated: “Newsome works tirelessly every day to uplift women in recovery from alcohol, tobacco, and other drug addictions. She is loved by many in the Amethyst family.”

On the morning of September,12, 2023, after fighting all she could against liver cancer diagnosis, she gained her shimmering, heavenly wings and joined one of her brothers in heaven: Roderick Newsome.

Monday, September 12,2023 at 6:18 am, Tina Marie Newsome, was called home to be with the Lord. Preceding Tina in death were her mother, Barbara Newsome, grandmother, Virginia Minor, grandfather, William Minor, cousins, Cheryl Minor, Linda Holly, and Wendy Mickens.

She is survived by her brother Larry Minor, her daughter, Jacqueline Yarbrough, two grandchildren, Li’Ahna Thompson-Yarborough, Dezary Yarborough, her nieces, Tammy Bethea, Tiffany Minor, her cousin, Brenda Minor, and her soulmate of over 30 years, Larry McDaniel. Cousins Joanne Dezoice of Philadelphia, PA, and Charles Walburgh of Cincinnati, OH.

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 12:00 Noon

Refuge Missionary Baptist Church

400 N. 20th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203

Public Viewing at 11:00 A.M.

Family Private Viewing at 10:00 A.M.

Officiating: Reverend Steven Barnett