Jerry Newman

Jerry C. Newman transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on July 12, 2023, at Mary Washington Hospital. He was born on January 9, 1948, in Westmoreland County, Virginia to the late Fred Purce and the late Hortense S. Johnson. Jerry accepted Christ and joined the New Monrovia Baptist Church, Colonial Beach, Virginia. He was joined in holy matrimony to the late Lue Juanita Newman and to this union one son was born, Jerry N. Newman. 

Jerry received his education in the public schools of Westmoreland County, Virginia, and later completed the necessary courses from the Barber Institute of Richmond to receive his license as a barber. After which, he began his lifelong journey as a master barber. Having developed a passion and skill for his craft, he opened Jerry’s Barber Shop in Dahlgren, Virginia in 1970. There he served the community cutting hair for more than 50 years, 30 of which he worked alongside his son teaching him the nuances of the business and the skill of barbering. He also employed numerous barbers in his shop throughout the years. During his time as a barber, a family of four generations received services from Jerry. Jerry also provided first haircuts to many of the kids in his neighborhood. During his time as a barber, Jerry could be found sharing stories and bragging about his cars. Not only did he provide his services in the barbershop but Jerry would travel to a client’s residence if they were unable to drive to the barbershop due to health reasons.

Jerry was one of the most highly respected barbers in the business and was able to bring all cultures together regardless of their ethnic background or age group. Jerry’s Barber shop was not only a place to get a haircut but it was known to many as a place to share stories, and escape the troubles of everyday life. Clients were free to vent without judgment as they practiced the code of honor, “What’s discussed at the Barber Shop, stays at the Barber Shop.” 

Jerry also had a passion for cars including antique street cars and race cars. Most Saturdays he could be found at the Colonial Beach Dragway or Budds Creek, dressed to impress. Jerry was admired by all ages for his fashion and was known by his nephews as the real “OG of his time.” Some would refer to him as “Tuff Cat.” He had a suit for every occasion. 

Jerry loved family gatherings and he would light up the dance floor with his rendition of the Twist which would usually leave him sore the next day. Above all Jerry was a hard worker and provider for his family. Throughout his years, his success as a businessman positioned him to assist those in need. He ensured that not only were the needs of his son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and god-children met, but any child he knew that was in need, he provided for them. He had a soft spot for his god-daughter Mica and she could get just about anything she wanted. Jerry loved his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and god-children and he would speak of them often to his clients or to anyone who would listen. Those who knew Jerry knew that he loved to talk. Regardless of where he was, he would engage in a conversation with just about anyone with whom he came in contact. Whether it be in a restaurant, mall, or on the street he would find someone with whom to have a conversation. Often times the family would ask, “Jerry who was that?” and his response would be, “I don’t know I just started talking to them.” That is the type of person he was, he enjoyed engaging in conversations and sharing stories. Frequently, he would share childhood stories of growing up with his siblings that would leave us in tears from laughing.

Jerry was preceded in death by his devoted wife Lue Juanita Newman.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted son, Jerry (Rita) Newman of Montross, Virginia; two grandchildren, Jerry Newman of Colonial Beach, Virginia and Darren Newman of Montross, Virginia; three great-grandchildren, Kennedi Harris of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Janiyah Butler-Newman and Jaylen Butler of Colonial Beach, Virginia; one god-son, Dervon Kelly (Lashea) of Montross, Virginia, god-daughter, Shamica Peyton of Caroline County, Virginia, four god-grandchildren Keyane Jenkins (Justin) and Dervorn Kelly Jr., of Montross, Virginia, Micah and Kyra Peyton of Caroline County, Virginia, sisters, Juanita (Evanthony) Foster of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Audrey (Howard) Branson of Colonial Beach, Virginia, Victoria (Woody) Carey of Montross, Virginia and Kamilah (Brian) Shabazz of Heathsville, Virginia; step-sister Margaret Newman of Suitland, Maryland; brothers, Franklin Newman of Queens, New York, Robert and Reginald Johnson of Colonial Beach, Virginia, Lindsay Purce, Rodney (Shirley) Purce, Clayton (Pam) Purce and Randy (Kim) Purce; step-brother, Lewis (Maxine) Johnson of King George, Virginia; sister-in-law Vance (Larry) Kelly of Montross, Virginia; brother-in-law, Albert Roy of Montross, Virginia, special niece Nicole Newman, special nephew, Don Newman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services of Remembrance for Jerry Newman of Oak Grove, Virginia and former owner of Jerry Newman Barber Shop in Dahlgren, Virginia will be held on Saturday, July 29 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Historyland Memorial Park, 11227James Madison Parkway, King George, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 10AM until service time on Saturday, July 29 at Little Zion Baptist Church.

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