Melissa C. “Connie” Newman

On February 9, 2025, Melissa C. “Connie” Newman peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest at Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center in Vinton, Va., alongside the nursing staff that adored her abundantly.

Connie was born on May 12,1968 to Jacquline Newman Berry and to the late Lloyd Lucas. She was raised by her great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William “Jap” Lewis, who loved her as their own. Known as Connie to many, she was educated in the Westmoreland County School system in her early years but graduated from The City of Fredericksburg School system in 1988.  

Connie was baptized at an early age and joined First Baptist Church of Colonial Beach Va., under the leadership of the late Reverend George Bumbrey.

Connie was known to be a feisty but gentle giant. She was quick to tell you how she felt and had no problem giving you the silent treatment, but she was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. She would be the first to offer her assistance and would give her last dime if she knew it would help. 

Connie was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Annabelle and William “Jap” Lewis; grandparents, Mildred Newman and Eric Johnson; father, Lloyd Lucas; and brother, Lloyd Lucas, Jr. 

Connie leaves to cherish her loving memory, her mother, Jacquline Berry and stepfather Preston Berry; one son, Steven “Tony” Newman from Fredericksburg Va; one daughter, Daytona Newman (Josh) from Fredericksburg Va; one granddaughter, Scarlett Emanuella Newman; three sisters, Valencia Shephard from Colonial Beach, Va.; Cathy Jones-Chapman and Kimberly Jones both from Ladysmith Va.; one brother, Ryan Weldon (Crystal) from Spotsylvania Va.; godmother, Theresa Tate from Spotsylvania Va.; a bonus dad, Charles Jones from Clinton MD; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. One special and devoted but loving caretaker, Jannissah Fralin of Roanoke, VA, who adopted Connie as a sister and made sure she was well taken care of.  

The passing of Connie was a shock to many.  We will miss the multiple daily calls from her, saying I just wanted to hear your voice and tell us how much she loves us. If you knew Connie, you knew she was a talker and was one of the hardest people to get off the phone, but she always made sure her last words were “I love you”, before hanging up. 

While all will miss her dearly, please continue to keep your fondest memories of her. Knowing she earned her wings on that day of February 9th, reuniting with her angel, Grandma Annabelle. Lastly, she has been healed and restored fully by the blood of Jesus.    

Melissa C. “Connie” Newman passed away on Sunday, February 9 at Berkshire Health and Rehabilitation, Vinton, Virginia. 
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 11AM in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, Oak Grove, Virginia.

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