Adelaide Newsom Rose Robinson, 87, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 22, 2026. Born in Halifax County, North Carolina, on June 14, 1938, Adelaide was the daughter of Edna Stillman Newsom and Frank Hunter Newsom.
Adelaide graduated from Weldon High School before attending East Carolina College. She later made her home in Newport News, where she built a life rooted in family, generosity, and quiet strength. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Joyce Purdom.
Adelaide dedicated more than 40 years of civil service to the Department of the Army, where she excelled and earned the respect of colleagues for her professionalism. Outside of work, she poured her heart into her home and family. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and tradition—her famous banana bread became a family treasure, baked and shared with love.
She created spaces where people felt welcome, from the pier she built for her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends to fish and swim from, to her much‑loved July 4th gatherings, which became an annual highlight for many. Adelaide remembered her roots and often shared stories of her childhood, keeping her family connected to the place and people who shaped her.
Her garden was another expression of her care—lush, abundant, and lovingly tended. She shared its beauty and bounty with family and friends.
Adelaide also gave her time to the community through her dedicated volunteer work at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. She enjoyed being an active part of the arts through her role there.
She loved to travel and maintained lifelong friendships, including some that stretched as far as France. Whether walking along the beach or simply sitting near the James River, she found peace in being close to the water.
Adelaide is survived by her devoted husband, Lee Robinson; her sister, Rachel Powell of Kill Devil Hills, NC; her daughter, Jennifer Rose Fegan and husband Jeff of Mechanicsburg, PA; and her three cherished grandchildren—Samuel Fegan, Harrison Fegan, and Claire Fegan—who brought her immense joy.
Her family will remember her for her generosity, her stories, her traditions, and the love she poured into every part of her life.
Her legacy lives on in the people she nurtured, the friendships she kept, and the memories she created.
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. There will be a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a reception. Burial will be private.
8 Comments
Those wonderful Weldon Days, living right across the street from Rachel, Joyce, and Adelaide, and going to Weldon High School, they were my Precious Friends for years. I will never forget those days and I will never forget my Precious Friends. Those days bring back such Wonderful Memories. These were the best growing up years of my life and I am so grateful for having expierenced them. Remembering With You, When the heart is grieving, God comes near…to bring His comfort, to catch every tear. May God hold you close, comfort you gently, and carry you through. In Prayer and Sympathy
Thank you for your kind words, they are so appreciated.
Jen and family,
I am so blessed to have been a part of your lives since childhood. I have so many fond memories of Adelaide as do my children and family. She made me feel like I was one of her own. What a fantastic role model she has been for me. Although she was soft spoken I learned by observing her what an intelligent woman she was. She is at peace now and we will miss her tremendously. Our Mom’s are looking down on us and I know we will do everything to make them proud. Until we meet again in God’s kingdom.
Thank you for your words and support. You were my rock.
What a beautiful lady. I remember how wonderful she was to me when we were younger, always caring and kind. I have fond memories of our trip to Nags Head and just happened to be here now and had mentioned you and your mom today to the friend I am staying with. Sending prayers of comfort your way and praying for your family.
You are so sweet to share this. She thought a lot of you too.
Jen and family,
I have so many fond memories growing up around you and your mom. She was always so welcoming and happy to have us all around. This continued into my adulthood and my children were at her house. I feel blessed to have known her and she is an example of a life well lived.
Thank you and you were so sweet to adjust your plans and spend time with us celebrating mom.