POWELLSVILLE – Mrs. Agnes Newsome Canada was born October 25, 1928 in Hertford County, North Carolina to the late Joseph J. and Vara C. Newsome. She was called to rest from this life on January 1, 2011.

Mrs. Canada attended the public schools of Hertford County. After completing high school, she attended Elizabeth City State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Language Arts and Social Studies.

From a young age, Agnes joined New Ahoskie Baptist Church and began her life-long dedication to serving God. Music had a special place in her heart since age 5 when she began playing the piano. She spent the rest of her life sharing this God-given talent with many churches in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

She was united in marriage to Milton D. Canada on May 16, 1949. One child, Jacqueline, blessed this union. Milton preceded her in death.

Mrs. Canada began her teaching career in Bertie County at Piney Wood Chapel School in 1955. In 1966, she left Bertie County to teach in Hertford County at Robert L. Vann School. Teaching was more than a career to her; it was her life’s passion. After dedicating 35 years to education, she retired in 1990 from Hertford County Middle School.

Though she had retired from teaching, her work continued as a pianist and organist. She devoted over 45 years of her life to serving God through her music. One of her choirs – Elm Grove Young Adults – recorded an album in the 1980’s. She took pride in rearranging old hymns and singing classic songs.

“Aggie”, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed reading and studying the Bible; having “singing good times” with her family and friends at her home; and doing word seek puzzles.

Her memory will live on through her surviving loved ones: her daughter, Jacqueline C. Brown (William Sr.) of Ahoskie; one brother, Joseph L. Newsome (Mable) of Queens, NY; one granddaughter, Keisha B. Peele (Trey) of Lewiston; one grandson, William F. Brown of Durham; one “adopted” daughter and niece, Angelia V. Newsome of Philadelphia, PA; one step-son, Dwight Ransome (Sherry) of Windsor; one step-granddaughter, Courtney Ransome of Durham; three nephews, Darius Newsome (Crystal) of Flushing, NY, Anthony Newsome (Tracy) of Queens, NY and Brian Newsome of Queens, NY; two great nieces; two great nephews; one great-great niece; numerous cousins, with special thanks to Quay D. Winslow; and a host of dear friends.

She will always be remembered for her booming voice and the vibrant way she lived life. She gave her all in everything she did and demanded it from those around her. She had a heart of gold.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday January 7, 2011 at New Ahoskie Baptist Church, Ahoskie. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Reynolds Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is handling the arrangements.