Martha Jo Newsome
Martha Jo Newsome, age 76, of Ennis, Texas, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and many friends on January 14, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with Covid-19.
Martha was born on July 18, 1944, to H.H. (Doc) Weatherford and Mary Lou Weatherford, in Mount Vernon, Texas. She grew up in a home filled with the love of her parents, sisters and brothers. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School.
In 1959, Martha met Frankie Newsome and the two were inseparable from that point on. They were married for over 41 happy years until her soulmate’s death in 2001. They had three children, Billy, Karla, and Shelly.
Martha was an extremely loving and dedicated mom to all of her children, instilling in them a love and devotion to God as well as an abiding belief in the blessing and importance of love of family. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Ennis and greatly enjoyed being involved in the Lord’s Ladies Sunday School Group. She was also known for her dedicated volunteer service to her church and community, in particular to helping the elderly.
Over the years, Martha worked for several banks in Ennis and also at Amelia Ann Florist and was known for her friendliness and outgoing personality as well as her attention to detail and her care for those she served in her work. She retired from Main Bank in December of 2000. She enjoyed her Bluebonnet Investment Club, antiquing, collecting, flower arranging, estate and garage sales, and, above all, spending time with her family and friends.
Martha was truly an extraordinarily loving and dedicated Mom and Nana, and she shared her love for her children, grandchildren, and her entire family in a million different ways. She loved and cared for everybody, and there are so many people that she welcomed into her heart as family. Her kindness, caring, humor and spirit touched so many and left an enduring love in their hearts.
Martha is survived by her son, Billy Newsome and wife, Steffany; daughter, Karla Matos and husband Rick and daughter, Shelly Patterson and husband, Brian; her eight grandchildren: Lili, Emily, Nick, Colby, Caleb, Aby, Jaden and Hope; her sisters and brothers: Jean Teague; Elaine Adams and brother-in-law, Zack; Betty Zachary and brother-in-law, Glen; Linda Swinford and brother-in-law, Kenneth; Lex Weatherford; Ricky Weatherford and sister-in-law, Judy and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends, all of whom she loved dearly. In her later years, Martha found comfort and care in her time with longtime friend Bill Doherty. Her loving presence will be greatly missed by so many.
Martha is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Frank; her parents Doc and Mary Lou Weatherford; her brother, Rex Weatherford and brother-in-law, Grady Teague.
The Newsome Family would like to thank everyone who has offered their love, support and prayers as we walk through this difficult time. You have all truly helped to lighten our burden of grief and have blessed us with so many of your wonderful memories of her.
Visitation was held on Monday, January 18, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at J.E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 2 p.m., at J.E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis. On Wednesday, January 20 at 2 p.m., Martha will be laid to rest in Mount Vernon City Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Texas, following a graveside service.
The Newsome Family deeply appreciates floral tributes honoring Martha’s love for flowers, but also welcomes contributions to the following:
The Gideons - Online: www.Gideons.org; by mail: The Gideon’s International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C. 20090-7251
The Alzheimer’s Association - Online: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate; by mail: The Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011
