Derek Ames Newsome

Derek Ames Newsome, 64, entered into his eternal rest early Wednesday morning, June 28, 2023 at Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center. Services to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, July 2, 2023 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Burton.  Prior to the service on Sunday, the family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00PM at the funeral home.

Derek was one of four born to the late Louise Glennis Daniels Newsome and the late Olin Colis Newsome.  Growing up in Stapleton, he attended Stapleton Academy and then Wrens High School.  After working a short while for Glit, he went out on his own as a painter. He moved to Tennessee in 1988, living there until 1995 when he moved in with his brother in Gibson. Derek always loved all sports and, being very athletic as a young man, played football and baseball. He was a huge fan of the Georgia DAWGS and the Atlanta Braves. He was also a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt SR--# 3!!—and enjoyed going to and watching NASCAR.  He also enjoyed fishing when time permitted.  Loving nature and being outdoors, he would search for and collect arrowheads, as well as driftwood.  As his health declined, he would sit outside just to be closer to nature.  Derek loved people and especially enjoyed being with family and friends to talk of old times, laugh and just have a great time together.  Even though distance and time sometimes kept them apart physically, Derek loved his family and kept them close in his heart.  Most importantly, in 2017, Derek accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, completely trusting Him with his life plan.  Because of this life-changing experience and his decision to trust God in all things, family and friends are comforted from the void left by his passing with the hope and assurance that Derek now has a new, pain-free body and is forever worshiping God in his eternal home in Heaven.  

Those left to cherish his memories include his children, Jeremy B. Newsome (Brooke) and Erica N. Pierson (Robert); six grandchildren, Kaleb Newsome, Kason Newsome, Kalyn Newsome, Kevin Solei, Sarah Solei and Chase Pierson; two great grandchildren, Kolson Newsome and Kallan Newsome; three siblings, Lansin Newsome (Joanne), Revonda Owens (Tommy) and Lanurd “Chico” Newsome; nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alz.org and clicking on the DONATE tab, or by mailing to 106 SRP Dr, Evans GA 30809, or by clicking the Make a Donation tab below.