Ruby Lee “Big Ma” Gibson Newsome, age 84, passed from this life on Monday, May 23, 2016 at approximately 4:54 p.m. at her residence in Lima surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on September 16, 1931 in Haddock, Georgia to the union of Eddie and Anna (Ray) Pitts, both parents preceded her in death.

In 1956 she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. James Newsome who preceded her in death on July 5, 2006.

Mrs. Newsome retired from Goodyear in St. Mary’s as a Machine Operator in 2003.  She was a member of the Steel Workers Local Union #200 and the NAACP and she was an Eastern Star.   She loved traveling and she loved her neighbors, her family and especially her grandchildren.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory 3 sons; Benjamin C. Gibson, Eddie Gibson and Charles Gibson all of Cleveland, Ohio.  A granddaughter she raised; LaCasha Gibson of Lima.  8 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.   2 sisters; Evelyn Jenkins and Lavonia Cooper both of Cleveland, Ohio.  A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by 2 daughters; Sarah Travicks and Juanita Gibson.  A great grandchild; Tajh Gibson.   4 sisters; Ella Pitts, Magnolia Simmons, Georgia Curry and Eula Simmons.  2 brothers; Willie Pitts and Joe Pitts.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Jones-Clark Funeral Home with Minister Julius Laws, officiating.  Visitation will be Friday from 4-8pm with the family present from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Bedford Heights, Ohio on Tuesday May 31, 2016 at 11:00am. 

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