Earnestine "Jackie" Sowell Newsome, age 79, of Jennings, FL. passed away following a brief illness at Lake City Medical Center in Lake City, FL.
Earnestine was born in Echols County, GA. on June 24, 1941 to the late Carson and Ellen Touchton Sowell. She was in the 1959-1960 graduating class at Echols County High School and earned her place as Valedictorian of the graduating seniors. Earnestine met and married Jimmy Padgett and the two started a family. She was blessed to be a stay-at-home wife and mother and treasured every minute. Sadly, Jimmy passed away when he was just 49, leaving her with two sons to raise alone but she was a strong lady with family standing at her side to help her. The families vacationed together, went to the river together and spent weekends frying fish together. She loved sports, particularly anything Georgia. The boys were never without a cousin or two to play with at any given time. She was granted another chance at love when she met and married Barney Newsome. The two shared some great years together. Life took a turn for her when she lost her son James "Jamie" Padgett in Feb. of 2018, followed shortly thereafter by the death of Barney in October of 2018. Earnestine was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Edward Sowell and sisters, Betty Sowell Starnes and Sue Sowell Thompson.

Survivors include her son, Jimmy Padgett (Lora) of Jasper, FL.; her step children, Jody Newsome of Jennings, FL. and Heather Newsome Morgan (Michael) also of Jasper; her sister, Paula Sowell Goss (Dan) of Echols County, GA.; seven grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Padgett, Peyton, Drevin and Ashlyn Newsome and Anna Victoria Morgan and Addison Kate Morgan.

Memorial services were held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Wright's Chapel Methodist Church with Pastor James Davis officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wright's Chapel Memorial Fund, 190 Wright's Chapel Road, Lake Park, GA. 31636.