Cindy Newman

We are saddened to announce the passing of Cynthia “Cindy” Leigh Newman of Rome, Georgia on Friday August 25th, 2023, at the age of 58. Cindy passed away surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle with Stiff Persons Syndrome.

Cindy was a dedicated educator and earned her undergraduate degrees from Andrew College and Shorter College. She received her Master of Education and her Specialist degrees from Piedmont University.

Cindy was born on June 11, 1965, in Greenville South Carolina and spent her early life in Louisville, Kentucky before moving to Tigerville South Carolina. She and her sister were, instead of the typical “army brats,” “university brats” having grown up on different university campuses. Her father was a professor and administrator, so it isn’t surprising that Cindy spent twenty-three years of her life working in education. She chose first grade instead of kindergarten because “they knew how to go to the bathroom on their own.” East Central Elementary in Rome Georgia was Cindy’s school of choice for her entire twenty-three-year career. She was awarded teacher of the in 2003-2004 and was passionate about the work she did. Cindy was beloved by her students, admired by her colleagues, and loved dearly by her friends and family.

Cindy was a lover of many things, her love of The Wizard of Oz at the top of the list. Her home is a testament with its collection of Oz and she could never have too much. She was obsessed with the music of Queen, and she approved of the addition of “her cutie” Adam Lambert. Seeing them in concert in 2019 was a check off her bucket list and of course once wasn’t enough, she was determined to see them again this Fall regardless of the limitations of her disease. Her football team was the UT VOLS, and she was an avid fan, wearing her orange jersey for every game. Cindy surprised everyone when she signed up for ROTC at Shorter College which even more surprisingly led her to basic training at Fort Knox until one day, she went down from heat stroke. I think she knew even before then the Army wasn’t for her, but Cindy was never a quitter. I mean in high school she was an all-state winning track runner and cheerleader. Her love of Scotland was well known, she and our parents took a trip before she was diagnosed with SPS, and she wanted so badly to return. Taking Cindy to the grocery store was always an adventure because she inevitably would see someone she knew or meet a stranger and strike up a conversation and your 30-minute trip would turn into an hour or two. She could talk to anyone, and she did. The last thing I would like to tell you about Cindy is she was dedicated to her church and looked forward to Sunday’s sitting next to her dad, turning the pages as he played the piano. A job she took very seriously and deeply enjoyed.

Cindy was kind, generous, funny, strong, never complained about what the disease was doing to her, she loved her students and teaching, she loved her friends, and she especially loved her family. Cindy leaves this world much too soon, we try to find peace knowing she is no longer in pain, and knowing she is “somewhere over the rainbow”.

Cindy is predeceased by her grandparents, Ruby and Gene Newman, and Marjorie and James Fuson as well as her beloved dogs Madison and Sydney.

Cindy leaves behind her mother and father, Harold and Brenda Newman, her sister Kathy Newman, and her loving cats Oliver and Binx. Her extended family, Uncle Fred Fuson and his wife Theora, their children Travis, Justin, Lisa, Terry; Aunt Mary Jo Newman; Cousin Stephanie Delias and her husband Gene, their children Isabella, Alex, Emerson, Mabry; Cousin Vicky Gropper and husband Gary; Cousin Darlene Goins and husband Eddie.

A Celebration of Life for Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Leigh Newman will be held at North Broad Baptist Church, on Wednesday August 30, 2023 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 30, 2023 from 12 o’clock in the afternoon until the service hour at North Broad Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the Mausoleum at Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to SPS research please follow the link for more information: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/stiff-person-syndrome/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Daniels-FuneralHome.com for the Newman family.

Daniels Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Leigh Newman.