Betty Emogene Dawkins Newton,80, of Rockingham died March 16, 2010 after an extended illness. Betty, born in Roberdel on June 12, 1929, was the daughter of the late Reid and Lola Dawkins.

Betty graduated from Rockingham High School in 1946. She attended Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte. In 1950, she began a career with Southern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1991 from BellSouth Corporation.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Newton, Sr; a son, Jonathan Legrande “Fig” Newton; and sisters Helen Dawkins Lambert and Geraldine Dawkins Nagle.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, March 19, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Eastside Cemetery with the Rev. Mickey Briles officiating.

Betty is survived by a son, James Henry Newton Jr. (Kim) of Rockingham; a daughter, Kimberly Reid Fisher (Tim) of Conway, S.C.; grandsons Jeffrey Simmons, Trace Simmons, Jonathan Newton, and Lucas Newton; granddaughters Brittany Simmons and Emma Newton; and great-granddaughter Cameron Simmons.

The family extends a special thank you to Brittany who took exceptional care of her grandmother during her final days.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times at the home of her son, James Henry Newton Jr. ,1006 Ann St. Rockingham, NC 28379.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Carolina-Piedmont Chapter, 3420 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215.

Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.

Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Newton family.