Bette McKinney Newsome

Bette McKinney Newsome, age 74, died at her Youngsville, NC home on May 20, 2022.  She is survived by her husband, Ricky Lee Newsome and her son, John Christopher Newsome, both of Youngsville, her stepson, Clint Newsome (Angie), of Colonial Heights, VA, and her brother, William Smith McKinney, Jr. (Laurie), of Centreville, VA and her niece  Lindsay McKinney Holland (Sean) of Round Hill, VA,  and nephew Brad McKinney (Shana), and their son Connor of Round Hill, VA.

A native of Drakes Branch, VA, she was the daughter of the late William Smith and Sudie Powell McKinney.  She was a graduate of Randolph-Henry High School (VA), Longwood University (VA), and the University of Virginia.

Her 39-year career in education included teaching English in the Charlotte County (VA) and Danville (VA) public schools, at Longwood University, and at Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC).  She held administrative positions at Longwood, SVCC, and Davidson County Community College (NC), where she retired in 2008 as Dean, Instructional Services.

Bette and Rick performed acoustic music together as DryBread Road since 2007.  They played an eclectic mix of old-time and contemporary songs from several decades for area farmers’ markets, festivals, private parties, and other occasions.

She considered herself exceedingly fortunate, having been blessed throughout her life with a loving and supportive family, opportunities for growth and learning, unfailing optimism, and spiritual strength.

Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest is handling arrangements for cremation.  At her request, no funeral services are planned.  In lieu of flowers, Bette requested that memorial contributions be made to PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, P.O. Box 28534, Raleigh, NC 27611, or to the Davidson County Community College Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1287, Lexington, NC 27293-1287.