Linda Newby chosen BPW Woman of the Year

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Business and Professional Women select Linda Newby, center, as 2002 Woman of the Year. Mary Jane Bell presents a silver bowl to the honoree, who is accompanied by her husband, Jim Newby.

Linda Newby was revealed as the 2002 Woman of the Year during the Business and Professional Women’s banquet taking place Nov. 21 at The Inn at Harvest Farms Lake. Selecting a deserving recipient for this title is a long-standing tradition of this organization, while focusing on the accomplishments of outstanding Warren County women.

Jewell Walker, club president, welcomed the attendees and Barbara Dean of Cookeville, state BPW president-elect, was guest speaker.

Newby has been employed by Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative for 44 years. In her current position as information systems manager, she is no doubt a dedicated employee that is the picture of a professional woman.

In making the award announcement, BPW member Mary Jane Bell read exerpts from various letters of nomination honoring Newby that had been received from the public.

Among the comments were:

“She is such a perfect role model? and is the hardest working, selfless person I know,” said Newby’s daughter, Tracey Pickens. “The number of people she has shared her sunshine with, we will never know.”

“As office manager of Ben Lomand for a number of years, I was in a position to really get to know Linda,” commented Nelma Justin. “She has a keen mind and was always willing to make herself available to learn everything about the industry during a time that has seen tremendous growth.

“She continues to spend myriad hours working with mentally handicapped people in our community through bowling leagues, Christmas programs, etc. I know of no other person in my 50-plus years working with local mental health programs that has endured themselves to these people as Linda has.”

Carolyn Turner of Pacesetters said, “She never seems to run short with her supply of energy and always has a pretty smile on her face. We love her very much and could not get by without her.”

Barbara Turner commented, “When there’s a special need out there, she responds without hesitation.”

“As we go through life, very few times do we get the opportunity to work with someone that is always the booster in life that we need for most anything that comes along. We have watched her when she was so tired that she could hardly go, but would not stop when there was something more that needed to be done,” said Janie Adams, president of McMinnville Women’s Bowling Association, in a letter signed by nine bowling members.

In a note given to her grandmother just prior to the banquet, Cynthia Travis, expressed her feelings in her own letter of endorsement.

“Some people say I am turning more and more like Linda Newby, my nannie, everyday. My response is that I can only hope that I will bring half the sunshine and compassion my nannie has brought to this world. Nannie? you are my woman of the year!”

As an active member of First Methodist Church, Newby has taught Sunday School classes and contributed of herself by serving on several committees. She held various offices for the McMinnville Jaycettes and was greatly involved in its community service projects.

Newby is an avid bowler, always active in youth bowling leagues and youth associations and has continued to be a part of the Women’s Bowling Association for 16 years. She and Jim, her husband of 49 years, organized the first Pro Am in McMinnville. She was also instrumental in reviving a league for physically and mentally challenged individuals.

The Newbys are the parents of three children and eight grandchildren.