Linwood Newsome

Linwood Lee Newsome, 80, of Sylva, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 7th, 2026, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home. 

Born on August 16, 1945, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Linwood was the son of Frank and Geraldine Newsome. Linwood served his country with honor in the United States Air Force as a sergeant for 4 years. He then went on to graduate from UNC Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a master's in education. He dedicated 30 years to early elementary school teaching in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and the Haywood County School System in North Carolina. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Newsome, his sons, Garrick (Brandie), Matthew (Joannie), and Samuel (Brandy), and grandchildren Emily, Abigail, Josiah, Malcolm, Alister, Madeline, Jasper, Ephraim, Dylan, Logan, and Cameron, and sister Patricia. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael Newsome, sister Peggy Graumlich, and grandson Alex Newsome.

 As the years passed, Linwood found great joy in being at home, surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, and in spending time at church with his family and friends. He loved hosting his family for Sunday lunches, tending to his garden, searching thrift stores for treasures, and enjoying his favorite sports and music. Linwood never missed an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face with a joke or a good story. Above all, he cherished his family, who brought him much joy, comfort, and companionship. 

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Mary Mother of God Roman Catholic Church in Sylva, NC. 

Revered by many, Linwood will be remembered by his warm and genuine personality, his bright smile, his witty sense of humor, and his unwavering faith. 

Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s at 22 Bartlett St., Sylva NC 28779. 

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva is honored to be caring for the Newsome family.