Lillian Russell Goodrich Newcomb

Lillian Russell Goodrich Newcomb, 86, of Burkeville, Virginia passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. She was born to the late James and Carrie Goodrich on August 11, 1939 in rural Prince Edward County. Among the youngest of 12 siblings, she was raised on a tobacco farm which instilled in her early the values of hard work and the importance of family.

Lillian met and married the love of her life, William R. “Billy” Newcomb in 1958. They built a life together farming and raising three children in Rehoboth, Virginia. They were married for 60 years upon his death in 2019. Lillian worked various factory jobs throughout her life and was a dedicated wife, mother, seamstress and caretaker to many including her mother and the neighborhood children of Rehoboth. Up until the mid 90’s she worked alongside Billy and her sons in the tobacco field, managed to cook three meals a day, maintained a household and still made it to church three times a week looking impeccable without a hair out of place. Lillian was also an expert seamstress and could turn a feed sack into a ball gown with her talents. In 2000, she and Billy settled in Burkeville where they enjoyed keeping a pristine home and flower garden.

In addition to her parents James and Carrie Goodrich, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Billy” Newcomb, son Michael Newcomb; grandson Blake Newcomb; brothers, James C., Teddy, Henry, Robert and James S. Goodrich; sisters Sarah Vaughan, Margaret Buffkin, Peggy Newcomb, Jeanette and Fannie Goodrich. She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Newcomb Fowlkes (Alton) and her son Steve Newcomb; grandsons Ryan Newcomb (Morgan) and Hunter Fowlkes; granddaughters Kaylee Newcomb (Nick) and Maddie Fowlkes; 5 great grandsons Nolan, Miles, Wyatt, Leo and Asher; her sister Clarece Canaday and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind the dedicated caretakers, staff and friends at Hickory Hill Retirement Community who cared for her with dignity and respect until the very end.

Lillian who carried many titles and nicknames such as: “Lip”, “Miss Lil”, “Mama”, “Nana” and “Lily Pad” will be remembered for her unwavering faith in the Lord, her love for the land and her family. Other characteristics include her quick wit, fashion sense and unashamedly “telling it like it is” whether you liked it or not. She was the epitome of a true Southern lady.

The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, December 3, at 1:00 p.m. at Cool Springs Christian Church 2852 Ontario Rd. Keysville, VA with a funeral service and internment in the church cemetery to follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Burkeville Fire Department 503 Namozine St. Burkeville, VA 23922.