Alice Ann Edens "Missy" Newman, (89) of Columbia, beloved wife of Van Newman, died October 11, 2018. Born May 5, 1929 in Dalzell, SC, she was the daughter of the late Henry Curtis Edens and Nelle Moore Edens.

Mrs. Newman is survived by her husband, Van T. Newman, Jr.; daughters, Bobbie Newman Davis, Nancy Newman Sopher (Bruce), and Linda Newman Rodarte (David); son, Van Newman III; grandchildren, Allison Davis Aitchison (Paul), Kristen Davis Bozard (Drew), and Harry Sopher, all of Columbia, and Hannah Sopher of Houston; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Edith Baker (Art), of Columbia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Edens Richardson of Sumter, and brother, Henry Curtis Edens, Jr., of Dalzell.

Mrs. Newman was a graduate of Hillcrest High School in Dalzell, SC, where she was named Best Athlete. She attended Columbia College in Columbia, SC, leaving college at age 19 to marry her husband of nearly 70 years. Mrs. Newman was a dedicated and active member of Kathwood Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, participated in the hand bell choir, and was instrumental in helping to rebuild an old pipe organ donated to her church. She also worked for a time in the office at Crayton Middle School, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was a past president of the Columbia Jaycettes.

Mrs. Newman, a devoted mother and homemaker, opened her heart and door to everyone. She was a "second mom" to many neighborhood kids and friends of her children, and she made her home a favorite gathering place.

Music was a lifelong love for Mrs. Newman and she enjoyed spending hours on the piano. She also enjoyed playing tennis and spending time on the beach at Fripp Island and Isle of Palms.

Mrs. Newman touched many lives with her generosity. Always gentle and kind, she was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A service for Mrs. Newman will be held 3 o'clock, Monday, October 22nd, at Kathwood Baptist Church, 4900 Trenholm Road, Columbia, with the Rev. Beth McConnell officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 o'clock, Sunday afternoon at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.

The family would like to express thanks to caregivers Christy Williams, Coleman Humphries, and Thelma Jo for their compassionate care and the services of Halcyon Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29210.