Thelma Mae

Newman

“ I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7

Thelma Mae Rollins Newman quietly and peacefully answered God’s call on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Santa Maria Rehabilitation. She was born on May 28, 1947, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to the late Earl K. Rollins and Lucille P. Byrd Rollins. She was the oldest of three children and had two younger brothers.

Thelma graduated from Union High School in Caroline County, Virginia, in 1965. On December 20, 1969, she married the love of her life, Julio Melton Newman, they were married for 56 years.

Thelma began her career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where she worked for several years. She later worked for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Flight Missile Safety for 21 years. During her years of government service, Thelma continued her education at several institutions, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of La Verne.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her devoted husband, Julio M. Newman of Santa Maria, California; two brothers, Earl M. Rollins (Susan) of Hudson, Florida, and Michael Rollins (Donnetta) of Henrico, Virginia; one special nephew, David E. Rollins of Hudson, Florida; four sisters-in-law, Angela Bell, Terri Carroll, Gloria Santagaro, and Tanya Jenkins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Thelma will be lovingly remembered for the life she lived, the love she shared, and the memories she leaves in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Stephens Baptist Church, 29346 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia, 22514, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.