Virginia Newton Golden, 74, of Tifton, died Sunday, September 24, 2006, at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Tifton's First Baptist Church. Dr. Wayne Roe and Dr. W. Ches Smith, III will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Frank Raley Sunday School Class of the First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Ms. Golden was born on August 1, 1932 in Reidsville (Tattnall County) and was the daughter of James E. Newton and Martha Newton Parham, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Golden. Ms. Golden was a Physical Education teacher with the Tift County School System for 29 years before her retirement. She enjoyed golf, art and being with her family. She was a member of Springhill Country Club, Tift County Artist Guild, Ladies Golf Association and active member of her Sunday School Class. She had lived in Tifton most of her life and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Tifton.
Ms. Golden is survived by one son, John Daniel Young of Hampton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Young McGee and her husband, Dr. David McGee, of Tifton and Beth Young Mathison and her husband, Bruce, of Cartersville; one brother and sister-in-law, James E. Newton and his wife, Frances, of Tifton; one sister and brother-in-law, Helen Newton Lynch and her husband, Buddy, of Saint Augustine, Florida; seven grandchildren, Stephanie McGee Langley and her husband, Kevin, J. Wesley McGee, Blair E. Mathison, Ben J. Mathison, Amanda A. Young, C. Shelby Young and John D. Young, Jr.; three great grandchildren, Cameron A. Langley, James Butler Langley and Chandler Mathison; and 10 special nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Tiftarea Cancer Society or the First Baptist Church Building Fund.