Irene Jenkins Newsom Obituary (1935 - 2022)

Irene Jenkins Newsom, 86, of Gibsonville, went to rest in the arms of Jesus and delight in her heavenly rewards on January 20, 2022 at Beacon Place of Greensboro. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 24, 2022 at Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McLeansville, North Carolina with the Reverend Craig Peak presiding. Irene was born August 12, 1935 in Greensboro, NC, and was the daughter of the late Homer Lee and Edna Reese Jenkins. She worked in bookkeeping for several companies over the years, and retired from the accounting department at Sears Roebuck and Company on Lawndale. Irene was a charter member of Twin Oaks Pentecostal Holiness Church where, throughout the years, she sang in the choir, served as treasurer, played the organ and accordion, and was in a gospel trio with her father and aunt. Her greatest joy in life, though, was her granddaughter Alicia, whom she devotedly cared for in her home for nearly 30 years. Alicia lovingly called Irene "Ma," and often told her, "You are my gift from God." Irene and Alicia had a unique bond - they loved each other deeply and shared a strong faith in God. Even in her final weeks, Irene woke up praising God and thanking Him for another day. Though never rich by earthly standards, Irene is now wearing a crown of jewels and walking the streets of gold with loved ones gone before her. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Huey Long Newsom; son, Gary Lee Newsom; infant granddaughter, Summer Michelle Newsom; and brother, Homer Lee "Buddy" Jenkins, Jr. She is survived by her granddaughter, Alicia Dawn Newsom; sister-in-law, Donna Vee Jenkins; and nephews Ricky (Cathy) and Kenny (Tracey) Jenkins. Irene is also survived by, in her words, "cousins by the dozens," many of whom were by her side in her last days. Irene had a soft spot for all animals, especially her many cats and favorite dog, Rerun. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to an animal rescue mission of your choice or to Beacon Place of Greensboro 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. Colonial Funeral Home & Chapel in Madison is serving the family. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net