Mrs. Elizabeth “Beth” Newman, who was much loved by her family and friends, joined her Heavenly Father on May 22, 2022. Beth was known for her intellect, integrity, compassion, generosity, and faithfulness. A service to honor and celebrate the life of Beth will be held Wednesday, May 25, at 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church of Thomaston. Rev. Ted Kandler will officiate, and interment will follow at South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Beth was born to the late Brigham and Sarah Kathryn White on August 25, 1937, in Millen, Georgia, but she spent most of her growing up years in Hawkinsville, Georgia. In high school, she excelled in academics and was a cheerleader where she cheered on star football player, Leon Ellis Newman, her future husband. While still in high school, she had her own dance studio where she taught ballet and tap. She graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Science Degree and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Then she earned a Master of Speech Pathology degree from the University of Georgia. Beth and Leon Newman married on March 18, 1961, and they have been devoted to one another for over 61 years. While Leon was in school at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Beth worked as a speech therapist in the Ft. Worth schools and paid Leon’s way through school. The Newmans always served as a team wherever Leon was called to be Minister of Music, and she was active, supportive, and still his biggest cheerleader. After Leon’s graduation from seminary, they first served at Bainbridge First Baptist. Next, they moved to First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia, where Beth directed the children’s choir, and she taught speech and English at South Georgia College. When the Newmans moved to Thomaston in 1973, Beth was the speech pathologist for the Thomaston City Schools, was named “Teacher of the Year” and “Teacher of Excellence” and retired after 30 years of service. When Leon was named Minister of Music at Thomaston First Baptist, Beth joined the church on November 4 of that year. The Newmans brought a beautiful spirit to the church, enriched the lives of the members, and endeared themselves to the membership. As always, Beth was very active in the church where she was a member of the Adult Choir, the Handbell Choir, co-directed “Return to Bethlehem,” and faithfully taught the Gleaners Ladies Sunday School Class for over 41 years. At a reception and lunch given in her honor by the class on “Beth Newman Day” at FBC in 2015, many present and former members were present, including a number from out-of-town. “Beth’s girls” commended her for her kindness, encouragement, her protectiveness, for her outreach to class members, her knowledge of the Bible, and her “ministry of being there” in joyful times and sad. She and Leon would travel to hospitals and funerals out-of-town to be with class members. They would show up at the door of class members to support and pray, usually with baked items or fresh produce. One member said, “Beth wrapped her arms around us, our husbands, our children, our parents, and our extended family.” Beth was also active in the community and was a Scout Mom, a member of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, President of the Lucky Ladies Investment Club, and President of the Thomaston-Upson Retired Educators. One of her favorite things to do was to travel, and she traveled extensively all over the world. Beth leaves behind wonderful memories to be cherished by her devoted husband, Rev. Leon Newman; two sons; Brigham Newman (Kim) of Peachtree City; David (Debbie) Newman of Thomaston; nine grandchildren: Sarah Hayden Newman (New York, N.Y.); Ansley Lanier Newman Roland (Jake), Opelika, AL; Amelia Grace Newman, Auburn, AL.; Sarah Ann Head, South Africa; Mary Kathryn Head, Peachtree City; Courtney Newman Norton (Garrett), Thomaston; Libby Clark Berner (Matt), Thomaston; Austin Lynn Ellis Newman, Hampton; Leanna Kathryn Newman, Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan; and one great-grandson, Jaxx Berner. The Newman family would like to thank the staff of Thomaston Hospice for the kindness and care given to Beth and their family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Thomaston First Baptist “Pass the Salt” Ministry. “Well-done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.