Franklin – Jonnie Newsome Eley, 101, widow of J. Cliff Eley, passed away June 30, 2011 at her residence. She was born in Bertie County, NC, a daughter of the late William Wingate and Rosa Lena Dunning Newsome, and was predeceased by four sisters, Elma Smith, Mary Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Porter, and Irene Epperson; and seven brothers, Phonsie, Oliver, Leslie, Leon, Brantley and William, Jr. Newsome. She was a retired receptionist from St. Regis Paper Company and a member of Franklin Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are two sisters, Elien N. Isom of Tuscon, AZ, and Sallye N. Kordulak of Virginia Beach; one brother, S. G. Newsome of Richmond; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jonnie's life will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Franklin Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Steve Gibson officiating. Interment will be private. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family.