We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Betty Newsome Orvin
Passed away on October 25, 2020
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Betty Blain Newsome Orvin went home to be with our Lord and Savior. Betty was born in Savannah, Georgia on February 24, 1924, one of seven children of the late Rufus F. Newsome and Mae Cabaniss Newsome.
Betty was a graduate of Commercial High School. She retired as a Law Librarian from the Chatham County Courthouse around 1987. Betty would go to the ends of the world to support her three children, four grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter. She was an amazing, strong women who was a 50-year survivor of breast cancer. She loved to serve the Lord through song and sung in her church choirs for over 30 years. She also enjoyed dancing the night away at the historic Johnny Harris Restaurant ball room on Victory Drive. She supported our military by performing for the USO and supporting our troops during World War II. Her passion for all things floral led to decorating the Green Room in the White House for President Jimmy Carter’s Inauguration. She loved being part of the Fairway Oaks Garden Club and playing bridge with her late beloved companion, Cal Lavely.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Sandra Orvin Sikes and her three grandchildren, Kimberly Newman (Earl), Kelly Scott, and Priscilla Coleman Bivins (Bill). She has seven great grandchildren, Hunter, Chandler, and Blayne Newman, Victoria Scott (Hunter), Parker and Madison Bivins, and Ayden Olivia Coleman. One great-great granddaughter, Ryleigh Scott Weaver. Also surviving are brothers, Rufus F. Newsome, Thomas E. Newsome and sister, Marese N. Giles as well as many nieces and nephews.
Betty is preceded by death by her beloved son, Louis E. Orvin III, her beautiful daughter, Judith Orvin Coleman, her grandson, Richard “Bubba” Coleman, her son-in-law, James Edward Sikes, and three sisters, Elaine N. Fasick, Charmell N. Garrett, and Mary Alsten Newsome Johnson.
The family would like to thank the following friends and support system who provided excellent care for Betty through the past several years so she could remain at home with her family: Violet Joyner, Joanne Brand, Cindy Anderson, Home Instead Inc, and Kindred At Home.
A Private Graveside Service will be held in Bonaventure Cemetery at a later date.
Honorary Pallbearers include Hunter Newman, Chandler Newman, Blayne Newman, Hunter Weaver, Earl Newman, and Bill Bivins.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Wilmington Island United Methodist Church, 195 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah, Georgia 31410.
Betty was a gracious and wonderful Southern lady in the best senses of teh word. Please accept my heart felt sympathy. My late husband and I played bridge many a night with Cal and Betty. Fondly, Marion
- Marion Martsh Nesterenko, Savannah, GA
I'm heartbroken at loss of my sweet Aunt Betty. I have such wonderful childhood memories of our families spending time together and adult memories of her beautiful voice singing at all the get togethers especially the "Cousins Luncheon" we had each year. Love and hugs to Sandra, Kimberly, Kelly and Priscilla. Aunt Betty will be missed.
- Jan Mock, Tybee Island, Ga
We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family for your loss of this special lady. Helping to celebrate her last birthday with a few “Savannah Banana Nanas”, neighbors and friend will be a cherished memory...especially when she took the Karaoke microphone and sang for us! What a blessing!
- Charlie/Karen Olenick , Savannah, Georgia
Sandra, you and your entire family are in our prayers. I have known your mother for many years. She was a chaperone on my on my senior trip to The Bahamas way back when. I was a Savannah High and she was there for the Jenkins High people. I never will forget Betty telling me that when I die, my hand will be in the shape of a glass. She was a sweet, sweet lady. May God taker her in and wrap his gracious arms around her
- Frank & Kathryn Murray , Savannah , Georgia
Sandi, I am so sad to learn of Aunt Betty’s passing. I’m praying for our dear Lord to keep you in His arms and give you the comfort you need at this difficult time. There are no words for the devoted, loving, loved and beloved daughter you are in caring for your sweet Mom! God bless you and the family!
- Judy Marie Orvin, Savannah , Ga
My condolences to Sandra and the rest of the family. I always remember Betty being so well dressed, true Southern lady
- Ruthie Mullis, Savannah, Ga
So very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. She was an accomplished woman and wonderful mom. Prayers and love.
- Karen Jackson Connelly , Savannah , GA
Dearest Cousin Sandra...simple words cannot express my sorrow for the loss of your dear mother. She always had such style and talent! My heart goes out to you.
- Terri Davison, Cheshire, CT
Sending our deepest sympathy Sandi to you & family . Betty was a special lady ! I will always remember her 96th birthday,her beautiful voice singing Patsy Cline song Crazy.
- Jeannette & Jimmy Grayson, Thunderbolt , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
