Windsor - Romine Rita Newsome, 66, died January 28, 2008. She was born in Franklin, a daughter of the late Sidney Clarence and Helen Burgess Newsome. Romine was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Jean Newsome McWilliams, and Bobby Joe McWilliams. She was a 1960 graduate of Franklin High School and attended Averett College and Mary Washington College where she was active in band and chorus. She was a former correspondent for the Tidewater News, Virginian Pilot and Richmond News Leader and was retired from Southampton Memorial Hospital as the clerk of accounts and admission for the East Pavilion. She turned her attention to the study of animal science and in 1998 received a certificate of accreditation in veterinary technology from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Romine was a published poet, a member of the International Society of Poets, and was an accomplished trumpeter. She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Survivors include a brother, Sidney C. Newsome, Jr., and wife, Rose, of Windsor; and two nephews, Sidney Michael Newsome and wife, Katrice, of Franklin and Kenneth Callie Newsome and wife, Allison, and their son, Christian, of Tappahannock.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11 am Friday at Poplar Spring Cemetery with the Rev. Ben Duffey officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of Sidney and Rose Newsome, 23326 Deer Path Trail in Windsor and suggests memorials be made to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23230, or any local animal shelter. Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, has charge of arrangements. www.wrightfuneralhome.org