Martha Jane Edwards Newman

Mrs. Martha Jane Edwards Newman, 91, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday night, January 16, 2015, at Central Continuing Care. Mrs. Newman was born September 16, 1923, in Surry County, the daughter of the late James and Annie Laura Watkins Edwards. She retired from Northern Hospital of Surry County and was a member of Union Hill Friends Meeting. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Sherman Layell of Mount Airy; a granddaughter, Jennifer Haynes of Mount Airy; a brother, Robert Edwards of Mount Airy; several great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Judy Clifton of Mount Airy. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Newman was preceded in death by her husband, Veto Wiley Newman; four sisters, Mary Neal, Louise Blue, Ruby Johnson, and Mildred Carr; two brothers, Ed Edwards and Claude Watkins Edwards; and a nephew, Tom Neal. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 19, 2015, at 2:00 PM at Union Hill Friends Meeting, with the Rev. Jake Penley and the Rev. Nathaniel Watts officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Her body will lie-in-state one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Central Continuing Care, especially the 100 hall employees, and the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Department at Central Continuing Care, 1287 Newsome Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.