Franklin – Jonnie Newsome Eley, 101, widow of J. Cliff Eley, passed away June 30, 2011 at her residence. She was born in Bertie County, NC, a daughter of the late William Wingate and Rosa Lena Dunning Newsome, and was predeceased by four sisters, Elma Smith, Mary Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Porter, and Irene Epperson; and seven brothers, Phonsie, Oliver, Leslie, Leon, Brantley and William, Jr. Newsome. She was a retired receptionist from St. Regis Paper Company and a member of Franklin Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are two sisters, Elien N. Isom of Tuscon, AZ, and Sallye N. Kordulak of Virginia Beach; one brother, S. G. Newsome of Richmond; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jonnie’s life will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the Franklin Baptist Church Chapel. Interment will be private. Memorial donations in Jonnie’s memory may be made to Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High Street, Franklin, VA. 23851 or a charity of choice. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.wrightfuneralhome.org