Virginia Turman Newman

Virginia Turman Newman passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023. Born in Sturgis, Mississippi, at the home of her grandparents, she was the daughter of the late Maedell (Moor) and Oscar Lewis (Pete) Turman. Virginia grew up in Laurel, Mississippi, where she was a graduate of George S. Gardiner High School. She began her journalism career while still in high school. When the “Laurel Leader-Call” (MS) newspaper needed a high school reporter, her English teacher recommended her and her lifetime career as a writer was launched. She attended Mississippi State University for Women (“the W”) and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism at Columbia, MO with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. Later, she earned a master’s degree in mass communication from Florida State University. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She was an investigative reporter with the New Orleans Times-Picayune, then worked as a reporter with the Tampa Tribune and Times, and the Associated Press in Tallahassee. Her writing career included positions in Communications and Public Relations. She was the Development Director of WFSU-TV, Communications Director of Florida Department of Commerce and Communications Director of the Bob Martinez campaign for governor and Gov. Martinez’ inaugural committee. Virginia loved to travel, it was both important and exhilarating for her. After retirement, she was a free-lance travel writer for many publications, including the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee magazine. She traveled with friends and family to many countries around the world, and to most of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Of all her travels, Paris was her favorite. She was a founding member of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral. She was also on the Board of Directors for many local organizations, including Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens, Florida State University School of Dance and School of Music, and belonged to many organizations including the Tallahassee Junior League, Florida Women’s Network, Tallahassee Red Cross, and the Tallahassee chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Virgina loved life and left a loving legacy with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Ann Turman Massey (John), her beloved son Rex T. Newman (Harumi), and her beloved friend George Hanna. She is survived by her two beloved sons, Peter Newman (Lori) and Brett Newman, of Tallahassee. Grandchildren Peter John (Brianna), Taylor, and Erin Newman, of Tallahassee; Ken Stocks (Melissa), Tallahassee; Candace Maloman (Stephan), Germany. Great-grandchildren, Anna, Sophie, Jasper and Ruby, and nieces Willa Powless (Andrew) and Joann Purviance, great nieces, and great nephews. The Hanna family: especially Mary, Jim, Grace, Earl, and Matthew, and so many friends she loved. Services will be held at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., a brief reception will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to WFSU TV at their website WFSU.org. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com ) are assisting the Newman family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Virginia Turman Newman

February 6, 1936 - October 21, 2023