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The News Observer
Barbara Pickens Newman, age 93, of Cherokee Hills, Copperhill, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Life Care Center of Copper Basin in Ducktown.
Mrs. Newman was born December 15, 1927, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Robert H. and Clara Halliburton Pickens. She was a member of Farner Presbyterian Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert H. Newman; and her brother, Donald Pickens.
Barbara was a 1948 graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
She began her career teaching home economics at Ducktown High School from 1948 to 1953.
While teaching, she met and fell in love with her husband, John Verlon “Chili” Newman, and they married on December 1, 1951.
For over 40 years, Verlon and Barbara owned and operated several grocery stores including the Piggly Wiggly grocery in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, John Verlon “Chili” Newman of Cherokee Hills; her son and spouse, Frank and Libby Newman, of Blue Ridge; daughter, Cheryl Luttrell, of Ducktown; as well as, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of respect for the family, friends and community, no services are planned at this time.
Interment was at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Cherokee County, North Carolina.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.