Wanda Mae Newsome, 90, of Gruetli-Laager, TN, passed away on June 12 th , 2023.
The youngest of eight children, Wanda was born on February 22 nd , 1933 to Jesse and Ethel Claiborne of
LaFollette, TN. From a young age, Wanda was known for her candid honesty, a trait which was both
admirable but often to the ire of those around her. One educator tested Wanda's resolve following a
frank classroom discussion about the reality of Santa Claus. While she dutifully completed one hundred
write-offs at the chalkboard stating, "Santa Claus is real," Wanda was not dissuaded and emphatically
informed her teacher afterwards, "Santa Claus is not real."
This candor helped Wanda later secure the love of her life, Albert "Pap" Newsome. Pioneers of the
original dating app, Wanda and Pap initially met through their exchanges in the personal ads. After
months of exchanging written correspondence, the couple arranged an in-person meeting, and the rest
was history. They were married in December 27 th , 1957 in a small courthouse ceremony in Erie,
Pennsylvania. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a matinee screening of "The Man with the Golden
Arm" at their local theater before returning home so that Pap could prepare for his evening shift. God
blessed their marriage with two wonderful daughters, Vicki and Melissa. Wanda and Pap shared almost
thirty-three wonderful years of marriage together before Pap preceded Wanda in death on December
3 rd , 1990.
Wanda was also known for her work ethic. From picking the tobacco grown on her family farm, to
becoming a licensed cosmetologist, Wanda liked to keep herself busy. She had a lifelong desire to
become a nurse. As an adult, Wanda was able to attend nursing classes at McMinnville Vocational
School and served many years provided nursing services at Cumberland Heights Hospital. Up until 2019,
Wanda volunteered her skills as a seamstress by sewing busy quilts and hospital gowns for Amedysis
Hospice. In her "free" time, Wanda was an avid gardener and canner, well known for her delectable dill
pickles. She often recruited her family in the summer to assist in the shucking of corn or breaking of
beans. Wanda sewed countless quilts, dresses, and shirts for her family over the years, and had a talent
for embroidery.
Wanda was born into God's family on April 14 th , 1948. She was a well-studied theologian, known for her
strong faith and as a prayer warrior. Wanda taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, and hosting
home study groups over the course of her life. As many of her pastors learned, if they erred in scripture,
Wanda would kindly, but candidly offer correction. Wanda said that her passing is saying "good-bye (for
a while) to all her family, friends, and loved ones, whom she invites all to them to join her on the other
side, where she will be waiting with Christ to welcome them home. The word departure literally means
to pull up anchor and set sail. Death marks the beginning, not the end. It is my journey to God." 2
Corinthians 5:6-8 states, "Therefore, we are always confident knowing that, while we are at home in the
body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord." Wanda leaves her family with a
strong legacy of faith.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Claiborne, her five brothers James, Charles,
Conley, Odis, and Junior Claiborne, her two sisters Margie Pierce and Jean Ayers, and her husband, Pap
Newsome. Wanda is survived by her daughters Vicki (Dion) Dykes and Melissa (Joe) Stocker, her six
grandchildren Kristen (Michael) Kilgore, John Ross (Lindsay) Jones, Zack (Shasta) Jones, Haley (Ben)
Stocker, Hunter Stocker, and Callin Stocker, and her five great-grandchildren Chloe and Christian Jones,
Asher Faith Kilgore, Journey and John Archer Jones.
The family would like to extend its utmost gratitude to Jamie Roberts and all the wonderful staff at
Sheltering Arms, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for the quality care provided to Wanda in her twilight.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Layne's Funeral on Wednesday, June 14 th , with services on Thursday, June 15 th at 1:00 PM
Burial will follow at Coalmont Cemetery.
The youngest of eight children, Wanda was born on February 22 nd , 1933 to Jesse and Ethel Claiborne of
LaFollette, TN. From a young age, Wanda was known for her candid honesty, a trait which was both
admirable but often to the ire of those around her. One educator tested Wanda's resolve following a
frank classroom discussion about the reality of Santa Claus. While she dutifully completed one hundred
write-offs at the chalkboard stating, "Santa Claus is real," Wanda was not dissuaded and emphatically
informed her teacher afterwards, "Santa Claus is not real."
This candor helped Wanda later secure the love of her life, Albert "Pap" Newsome. Pioneers of the
original dating app, Wanda and Pap initially met through their exchanges in the personal ads. After
months of exchanging written correspondence, the couple arranged an in-person meeting, and the rest
was history. They were married in December 27 th , 1957 in a small courthouse ceremony in Erie,
Pennsylvania. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a matinee screening of "The Man with the Golden
Arm" at their local theater before returning home so that Pap could prepare for his evening shift. God
blessed their marriage with two wonderful daughters, Vicki and Melissa. Wanda and Pap shared almost
thirty-three wonderful years of marriage together before Pap preceded Wanda in death on December
3 rd , 1990.
Wanda was also known for her work ethic. From picking the tobacco grown on her family farm, to
becoming a licensed cosmetologist, Wanda liked to keep herself busy. She had a lifelong desire to
become a nurse. As an adult, Wanda was able to attend nursing classes at McMinnville Vocational
School and served many years provided nursing services at Cumberland Heights Hospital. Up until 2019,
Wanda volunteered her skills as a seamstress by sewing busy quilts and hospital gowns for Amedysis
Hospice. In her "free" time, Wanda was an avid gardener and canner, well known for her delectable dill
pickles. She often recruited her family in the summer to assist in the shucking of corn or breaking of
beans. Wanda sewed countless quilts, dresses, and shirts for her family over the years, and had a talent
for embroidery.
Wanda was born into God's family on April 14 th , 1948. She was a well-studied theologian, known for her
strong faith and as a prayer warrior. Wanda taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, and hosting
home study groups over the course of her life. As many of her pastors learned, if they erred in scripture,
Wanda would kindly, but candidly offer correction. Wanda said that her passing is saying "good-bye (for
a while) to all her family, friends, and loved ones, whom she invites all to them to join her on the other
side, where she will be waiting with Christ to welcome them home. The word departure literally means
to pull up anchor and set sail. Death marks the beginning, not the end. It is my journey to God." 2
Corinthians 5:6-8 states, "Therefore, we are always confident knowing that, while we are at home in the
body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord." Wanda leaves her family with a
strong legacy of faith.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Claiborne, her five brothers James, Charles,
Conley, Odis, and Junior Claiborne, her two sisters Margie Pierce and Jean Ayers, and her husband, Pap
Newsome. Wanda is survived by her daughters Vicki (Dion) Dykes and Melissa (Joe) Stocker, her six
grandchildren Kristen (Michael) Kilgore, John Ross (Lindsay) Jones, Zack (Shasta) Jones, Haley (Ben)
Stocker, Hunter Stocker, and Callin Stocker, and her five great-grandchildren Chloe and Christian Jones,
Asher Faith Kilgore, Journey and John Archer Jones.
The family would like to extend its utmost gratitude to Jamie Roberts and all the wonderful staff at
Sheltering Arms, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for the quality care provided to Wanda in her twilight.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Layne's Funeral on Wednesday, June 14 th , with services on Thursday, June 15 th at 1:00 PM
Burial will follow at Coalmont Cemetery.
Wanda Mae Newsome, 90, of Gruetli-Laager, TN, passed away on June 12 th , 2023.
The youngest of eight children, Wanda was born on February 22 nd , 1933 to Jesse and Ethel Claiborne of
LaFollette, TN. From a young age, Wanda was known for her candid honesty, a trait which was both
admirable but often to the ire of those around her. One educator tested Wanda's resolve following a
frank classroom discussion about the reality of Santa Claus. While she dutifully completed one hundred
write-offs at the chalkboard stating, "Santa Claus is real," Wanda was not dissuaded and emphatically
informed her teacher afterwards, "Santa Claus is not real."
This candor helped Wanda later secure the love of her life, Albert "Pap" Newsome. Pioneers of the
original dating app, Wanda and Pap initially met through their exchanges in the personal ads. After
months of exchanging written correspondence, the couple arranged an in-person meeting, and the rest
was history. They were married in December 27 th , 1957 in a small courthouse ceremony in Erie,
Pennsylvania. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a matinee screening of "The Man with the Golden
Arm" at their local theater before returning home so that Pap could prepare for his evening shift. God
blessed their marriage with two wonderful daughters, Vicki and Melissa. Wanda and Pap shared almost
thirty-three wonderful years of marriage together before Pap preceded Wanda in death on December
3 rd , 1990.
Wanda was also known for her work ethic. From picking the tobacco grown on her family farm, to
becoming a licensed cosmetologist, Wanda liked to keep herself busy. She had a lifelong desire to
become a nurse. As an adult, Wanda was able to attend nursing classes at McMinnville Vocational
School and served many years provided nursing services at Cumberland Heights Hospital. Up until 2019,
Wanda volunteered her skills as a seamstress by sewing busy quilts and hospital gowns for Amedysis
Hospice. In her "free" time, Wanda was an avid gardener and canner, well known for her delectable dill
pickles. She often recruited her family in the summer to assist in the shucking of corn or breaking of
beans. Wanda sewed countless quilts, dresses, and shirts for her family over the years, and had a talent
for embroidery.
Wanda was born into God's family on April 14 th , 1948. She was a well-studied theologian, known for her
strong faith and as a prayer warrior. Wanda taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, and hosting
home study groups over the course of her life. As many of her pastors learned, if they erred in scripture,
Wanda would kindly, but candidly offer correction. Wanda said that her passing is saying "good-bye (for
a while) to all her family, friends, and loved ones, whom she invites all to them to join her on the other
side, where she will be waiting with Christ to welcome them home. The word departure literally means
to pull up anchor and set sail. Death marks the beginning, not the end. It is my journey to God." 2
Corinthians 5:6-8 states, "Therefore, we are always confident knowing that, while we are at home in the
body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord." Wanda leaves her family with a
strong legacy of faith.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Claiborne, her five brothers James, Charles,
Conley, Odis, and Junior Claiborne, her two sisters Margie Pierce and Jean Ayers, and her husband, Pap
Newsome. Wanda is survived by her daughters Vicki (Dion) Dykes and Melissa (Joe) Stocker, her six
grandchildren Kristen (Michael) Kilgore, John Ross (Lindsay) Jones, Zack (Shasta) Jones, Haley (Ben)
Stocker, Hunter Stocker, and Callin Stocker, and her five great-grandchildren Chloe and Christian Jones,
Asher Faith Kilgore, Journey and John Archer Jones.
The family would like to extend its utmost gratitude to Jamie Roberts and all the wonderful staff at
Sheltering Arms, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for the quality care provided to Wanda in her twilight.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Layne's Funeral on Wednesday, June 14 th , with services on Thursday, June 15 th at 1:00 PM
Burial will follow at Coalmont Cemetery.
The youngest of eight children, Wanda was born on February 22 nd , 1933 to Jesse and Ethel Claiborne of
LaFollette, TN. From a young age, Wanda was known for her candid honesty, a trait which was both
admirable but often to the ire of those around her. One educator tested Wanda's resolve following a
frank classroom discussion about the reality of Santa Claus. While she dutifully completed one hundred
write-offs at the chalkboard stating, "Santa Claus is real," Wanda was not dissuaded and emphatically
informed her teacher afterwards, "Santa Claus is not real."
This candor helped Wanda later secure the love of her life, Albert "Pap" Newsome. Pioneers of the
original dating app, Wanda and Pap initially met through their exchanges in the personal ads. After
months of exchanging written correspondence, the couple arranged an in-person meeting, and the rest
was history. They were married in December 27 th , 1957 in a small courthouse ceremony in Erie,
Pennsylvania. After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a matinee screening of "The Man with the Golden
Arm" at their local theater before returning home so that Pap could prepare for his evening shift. God
blessed their marriage with two wonderful daughters, Vicki and Melissa. Wanda and Pap shared almost
thirty-three wonderful years of marriage together before Pap preceded Wanda in death on December
3 rd , 1990.
Wanda was also known for her work ethic. From picking the tobacco grown on her family farm, to
becoming a licensed cosmetologist, Wanda liked to keep herself busy. She had a lifelong desire to
become a nurse. As an adult, Wanda was able to attend nursing classes at McMinnville Vocational
School and served many years provided nursing services at Cumberland Heights Hospital. Up until 2019,
Wanda volunteered her skills as a seamstress by sewing busy quilts and hospital gowns for Amedysis
Hospice. In her "free" time, Wanda was an avid gardener and canner, well known for her delectable dill
pickles. She often recruited her family in the summer to assist in the shucking of corn or breaking of
beans. Wanda sewed countless quilts, dresses, and shirts for her family over the years, and had a talent
for embroidery.
Wanda was born into God's family on April 14 th , 1948. She was a well-studied theologian, known for her
strong faith and as a prayer warrior. Wanda taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, and hosting
home study groups over the course of her life. As many of her pastors learned, if they erred in scripture,
Wanda would kindly, but candidly offer correction. Wanda said that her passing is saying "good-bye (for
a while) to all her family, friends, and loved ones, whom she invites all to them to join her on the other
side, where she will be waiting with Christ to welcome them home. The word departure literally means
to pull up anchor and set sail. Death marks the beginning, not the end. It is my journey to God." 2
Corinthians 5:6-8 states, "Therefore, we are always confident knowing that, while we are at home in the
body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord." Wanda leaves her family with a
strong legacy of faith.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Claiborne, her five brothers James, Charles,
Conley, Odis, and Junior Claiborne, her two sisters Margie Pierce and Jean Ayers, and her husband, Pap
Newsome. Wanda is survived by her daughters Vicki (Dion) Dykes and Melissa (Joe) Stocker, her six
grandchildren Kristen (Michael) Kilgore, John Ross (Lindsay) Jones, Zack (Shasta) Jones, Haley (Ben)
Stocker, Hunter Stocker, and Callin Stocker, and her five great-grandchildren Chloe and Christian Jones,
Asher Faith Kilgore, Journey and John Archer Jones.
The family would like to extend its utmost gratitude to Jamie Roberts and all the wonderful staff at
Sheltering Arms, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for the quality care provided to Wanda in her twilight.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Layne's Funeral on Wednesday, June 14 th , with services on Thursday, June 15 th at 1:00 PM
Burial will follow at Coalmont Cemetery.
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