JoAnn (Newsome) Bigger

Kings Mountain - Jo-Ann Newsome Biggers, 70, of  Kings Mountain, North Carolina was born August 4, 1947 to the late Ralph and Mattie B. Newsome of Wilson, North Carolina.  However, in the early afternoon of Saturday, July 28, 2018, she heard the still quiet voice of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ say “ well-done my daughter, it is time to come home”. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; George Biggers, one sister; Mary Newsome, two brothers; Ralph Jr. and Charles Newsome. 

Like many Christian parents, Mr. and Mrs. Newsome saw to it that young JoAnn and her 11 siblings were established and actively engaged in their home church  - Wilson Chapel FWB Church. 

As a young adult, JoAnn moved to and resided in Brooklyn, New York for several years.  However, upon the death of her mother, she returned home to Wilson, and remained to assist in the care of her younger siblings.  Shortly after her return home, JoAnn and her son Kevin relocated to Kings Mountain, NC,  to live near her sister Devella Adams, where she had resided for 46 years.

Sister JoAnn rededicated her life to the Lord and became a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC, where she received further teaching and discipleship under the guidance of church leadership.  It was evident to family and close friends that JoAnn’s walk with the Lord exhibited spiritual growth and development and a sincere love for Him. Throughout her illness, her relationship and commitment to the Lord never wavered but grew richer and stronger as her health periodically declined.   She had a strong sense of right and wrong and  endeavored to reflect Jesus’ teaching in            Matthew 7:12 in which He tells us… “So in everything, do to others what you would have them to do to you, for this sums up the Law and the  Prophets”.  Further, because of her tenacious and determined spirit, Sister JoAnn was dubbed the name “ strong soldier” by her Pastor.  In addition to her enjoyment in attending and participating in church activities, she also loved gathering with family and friends and the many shopping outings with her sister Devella.  Many people would agree that cooking was also a favorite enjoyment of hers, in particular, making her delicious baked macaroni and cheese for which she was well-known.

As a legacy of her life, she leaves behind to carry on the light and love of Jesus Christ to her son, Kevin (Audrey);  Step-children: James M. Bigger, William A. Bigger, Stephen Robinson, Mannix Bailey, Mable A. Hemphill, Terry Setzer, Linda Smith and Lena Anderson; three sisters: Devella   Adams (Edgar) of Kings Mountain, Mattie Beatrice Newsome of Stanley, NC and Sheila Newsome Spence (Gamel) of Wendell, NC; five brothers:  Kenny Newsome (Sharon) and Ricky Newsome, both of Wilson, NC,  Jimmy Newsome (Shirley) of Rocky Mount, NC, Robert Lee Newsome (Peggy) and Lawhelton Newsome, both of San Antonio, Texas; two aunts: Olivia Rountree Gibson and Eva Mae Rountree, both of Wilson, NC; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

* The family meeting at the home of her son, Kelvin Newsome  207 Cidar Drive Shelby, NC

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