Lettie Pecolia Artis Millard affectionately known as “Pete”, the daughter of John and Vara Lee Artis was born March 14, 1940 in Wayne County NC. She was the only child. She departed this earthly life on April 16, 2020.
Pecolia began her education at Pikeville Training School in Pikeville, NC. After graduating, she moved to East Orange, New Jersey to be with her cousin, Carl Exum whom she called brother. She lived in New Jersey for 1 year before moving to Washington, DC where she married the late Thurman Newsome on April 10, 1959. From this union, three children were born.
Pecolia worked for Bogley Hartin Mortgage Company for 9 years. She then went to work for Hechts Service Building in Washington, DC for 22 years. On March 1, 1988, she married the late William Millard Jr. Pecolia and William enjoyed their life together. They loved fishing and crabing with their friends almost every other weekend. They would travel back and forth to North Carolina until they moved back to North Carolina after retirement. Pecolia loved to be with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to talk about The Lord, work outside in her yard with her flowers and in her garden.
Pecolia dedicated her life to Christ on September 16, 2001 at First Baptist Church, Eureka, NC under the leadership of her first cousin Reverend Odell Forte. She served on the Senior Mission Department as Assistant Secretary for many years and on the Executive Board.
She leaves to cherish her memories to her children, Thurman Newsome Jr., whom proceeded her in death, Salanda (Bennie) Newsome & Sandra Newsome, both of Eureka, NC, Vicki (Rodney) Millard-Cobb of Maryland, William “Clint” (Tina) Millard of Maryland, Monica McClendon of Virginia, Kevin (Erickia) Millard of Washington, DC. Her grandchildren, Kyran (Maureen) Newsome of Saulston, NC, Bennica (Daniel) Patino of Eureka, NC, and Woodrow “J.R.” Barber of District Heights, MD. Great-grandchildren, Maleah Newsome, Cateleya Patino, William Patino, and Leia Barber. Six sister-in-laws, Margaret Jones of Durham, NC, Hilda Davis of Morena Valley, CA, Lila McHenry of Columbia, SC, Yvonne Newsome of Bowie, MD, Effie Dees and Frances Cox of Goldsboro, NC. Three brother-in-laws, Maryland Ransome of Goldsboro, NC, Jackie Millard of Eureka, NC, McSerla Newsome of Maryland. A host of step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Godchildren and friends and special friends George and Betty Yelverton.
Due to COVID-19 and governmental restrictions, a private family graveside will be held at Sherrod Cemetery in Stantonsburg.
The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
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