Joanne Werts Newman, 88, of Prosperity, widow of George Wallace Newman, Jr., died on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home.

Born on June 6, 1938, in Prosperity, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Lester and Mildred Counts Werts. Joanne retired from Kemet Electronics of Shelby, NC in 1992, but returned and worked for an additional two years.

She was active in the Boys Club in Shelby, NC along with her husband where she won an award for her outstanding work.

She was chairperson of the Elk’s Club Auxiliary Ways and Committee in Shelby, NC. She, also, headed several projects to raise money for the Elk’s Club Auxiliary.

While at Kemet Electronics she was active in the United Way as a Loan Executive. Following this she became a board member serving a three year term with United Way. Her work help raise millions of dollars for needy causes.

While living in Shelby, NC, she was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. After moving back to Prosperity in July 1992, she rejoined Zion United Methodist Church where she had belonged from early childhood.

At Zion United Methodist Church she was active in the UMW, Naomi Ruth Circle, Young at Heart and served as president for a term. She had been a member and chairperson of the PPRC Committee, was a two time member of the Nurture Committee and past member of the Outreach Committee and Vision Committee. Joanne had been a member of the Lay Leadership Committee, Worship Committee and served as a church greeter and communion steward. She was involved with the prayer chain and on the bereavement ministry.

Joanne is survived by her devoted and loving nephews and their families, Tony Robbin (Pam Butler) Barnes and his son, Nathan Corey Barnes and his grandson, Ashton Stone Barnes; Jason Robert (Julie) Barnes and their children, Jordan (Chansel) Minick and Jacob Franklin Barnes and their grandson, Chansen Minick and also a dear and loving friend, Dick Broom.

She was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Jean Barnes, and niece, Heather Barnes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Zion United Methodist Church by the Rev. Joseph James. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Food Pantry of Zion United Methodist Church, 80 Zion Circle, Prosperity, SC 29127

Active pallbearers will be Tony Barnes, Jason Barnes, Nathan Barnes, Jacob Barnes, Mike Bizon, Chansel Minick and Dr. Michael Bernardo.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Zion United Methodist Church Young at Heart.