Updated March 25, 2025
Dr. Virginia K. Newell, the oldest alum of Talladega College, passed away at the age of 107 on March 14, 2025. A 1940 graduate of Talladega, Newell prided herself on living a life of service. In 1977, she and her Alpha Kappa Alpha soror Vivian H. Burke became two of the first Black women elected to the city council in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Newell went on to represent East Winston-Salem for 16 years. After graduating from Talladega, Newell earned her master’s degree from New York University and later her Doctor of Education from the University of Sarasota.
Born in Advance, North Carolina, Newell’s commitment to building better communities is highly regarded and respected. Before becoming an alderman, she taught math at two high schools and Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also made a run for the local school board but did not win. Newell and her family later moved to Winston-Salem where she taught at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). She is credited with founding the university’s computer science program and establishing other programs such as the Math and Science Academy of Excellence.
Newell recognized that she could make an even bigger impact on the community. In a 2017 interview with the City of Winston-Salem, she said that she was motivated to run for the city council (then called the Board of Aldermen) to “clean up” East Winston-Salem. Newell said, "I didn't go into office to get money–to be rich–I went into office to give a service."
In the spirit of a true Degan, Newell did what she believed had to be done to strengthen her community. She played a vital role in the creation of the East Winston Shopping Center, a project that revitalized the area and provided essential services to residents. Newell also played a role in converting a dilapidated property to the Ivy Arms Community Center and Apartments. She also founded the YWCA’s Best Choice Center, an after school program that provided academic enrichment activities and summer camps for children from low-income families.
Even with her public service demands, Newell never lost her love for math. She co-edited "Black Mathematicians and Their Works," the first published book about African American mathematicians according to mathematicallygiftedandblack.com. She was also a fixture in the National Association of Mathematicians. In a charmingly understated manner, Newell told the City of Winston-Salem, "I just do math for fun."
So treasured was Newell’s service to Winston-Salem that the city partially named a recreational path, the Newell/Massey Green, in her honor; and the Salem Lake Marina Center renamed one of its rooms the Dr. Virginia K. Newell Room.
In words that should ring true for every Degan, Newell advised the Class of 2024 in a video message, “Believe in yourself…Believe that you can do anything that’s out there for you to do.CELEBRATION OF LIFE INFORMATION
From Dee Banks, M.D. and Glenda Newell-Harris, M.D., the daughters of Virginia NewellQuiet HourDate/Time: Friday, April 11, 2025 at 6:30pmLocation: First Baptist Church (700 Highland Ave, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101)Memorial ServiceDate/Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00amLocation: Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University (1834 Wake Forest Road Winston-Salem, NC, 27106)
Accommodations:
- Room block at Hotel Indigo Winston-Salem ($230/night). Click HERE or call the hotel directly mentioning the "Alderman Newell" room block.
- Additional hotels:
Scholarship Fund Donations:In honor of Dr. Newell, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund in her memory. This scholarship fund was established to support students pursuing higher education. Contributions can be made to the the fund in the following ways:
- Online donations: Visit wsfoundation.
org/newell to make a secure donation via credit card. - Mailing donations: Checks can be made payable to "The Winston-Salem Foundation" with "Dr. Virginia K. Newell Memorial Fund" in the memo line, and mailed to: The Winston-Salem Foundation, 751 W 4th St #200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
All donors will receive a gift receipt/acknowledgement from the Winston-Salem Foundation. Your generous contributions will help continue Dr. Newell's passion for education, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
