Bessie Christine Newman

Bessie Christine Newman, a beacon of gentle love and generous spirit, left the world richer for her presence on July 30, 2025. Born on August 25, 1934, in Morrilton, Arkansas, Bessie's journey through life was characterized by her unwavering kindness and the joy she found in simple pleasures. She passed away peacefully in Fort Valley, Georgia, surrounded by the love of her family and the memories of a life well-lived.
Bessie's heart was a wellspring of love, from which her family drew strength and inspiration. She was the cherished matriarch, leaving behind a legacy through her daughter Candace Rivas of Fort Valley, five grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, each a testament to her boundless love and care. Though she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Thomas Newman, Sr., her parents Garner and Corinne (King) Sanders, her son Robert Thomas Newman, Jr., her daughter Janice Marie Ethridge, and her grandchildren Jason Victor Lewis and Jessica Smith, Bessie's luminous spirit continues to guide them.
Her sister Betty Gross of Kokomo, Indiana, and brother Ray Sanders of Deland, Florida, remember Bessie as the embodiment of familial warmth and affection, a sister who always extended a hand of support and a smile that could light up any room.
Professionally, Bessie dedicated many years of diligent service as a Deputy Clerk of the Volusia County, Florida District Court. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Bessie's involvement in her community and associations was marked by the same passion and dedication she gave to every endeavor in her life.
Bessie's interests were a reflection of her personality-simple, engaging, and full of warmth. She tended her garden with the same care she showed to her relationships, each flower a testament to her nurturing touch. Bessie's love for her cat "Baby" was emblematic of her capacity for affection, and her joyous laughter would often echo during spirited games of Scrabble and Triominoes. Her subscription to Brit Box was more than a pastime; it was a window to worlds she loved exploring.
Above all, Bessie's greatest joy was found in the moments she shared with her children and grandchildren. Each milestone, each achievement, and each challenge they faced, she was there with her unwavering support and wisdom. Her influence is etched into the generations that follow her, a legacy of love that will continue to flourish.
In a world that often moves too fast, Bessie Christine Newman was a reminder of the beauty in patience, the strength in kindness, and the wealth that comes from giving of oneself. Her life was a motivational speech lived out loud, an encouragement to all to cultivate a heart that is gentle, loving, and generous. Today, we celebrate Bessie, not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles of gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with her. Her story does not end here; it is carried forward in the lives she touched, the garden she grew, and the love that will continue to bloom in her absence.
Bessie will be laid to rest with her husband at Andersonville National Cemetery.
With honor, Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bessie, please visit our Tree Store.