Mrs. Dorothy Simpson Newberne, 86, of Hahira, GA passed away peacefully on February 25 , 2020 in St. Petersburg, FL.  She was born July 11 , 1933 in Lowndes County, Georgia.  She was predeceased by her loving husband, Vergil Newberne, her devoted parents Pearl and Ezra Simpson, and her dear sisters, Elaine Rogers (Norman) and Madge Waller (Edward).

Dorothy married Vergil, "the most handsome man I've ever met" on November 23 , 1951.  They resided in Adel, GA until 1952. After relocating to Chicago, Dorothy attended key punch operator school.  Dot and Vergil then returned to GA where she worked as a computer data processor for Sinclair Oil Company in Atlanta.  The loving couple started their family on Francine Drive, Decatur- having two children Steve and Cyndi.

In 1967, Dot and Vergil gambled on the American dream-to own their own business.  They relocated to St. Petersburg, FL where they became the successful founders, owners and operators of Italian restaurants.  Over the course of the next decades the adventurous team successfully opened 11 restaurants throughout Florida.

After achieving success, Dot and Vergil were able to retire where they could follow one of Dorothy's favorite passions - travel.  They stayed active traveling around the United States with friends and family.  Throughout her life she visited 49 out of the 50 United States.  Her greatest passion however was spoiling her grandchildren. She loved taking them to the family farm in Adel, GA where they spent countless happy times making memories.

Dot and Vergil's legacy has been continued by their children Steve and Cyndi who currently run Gigi's Italian Restaurants.

Dorothy is survived by her son Steve, her daughter and son in law Cyndi and Ken Shain, her granddaughter Jamiee Belsky and husband Michael, and her granddaughter Jaclyn Afeld.

Momma will be greatly missed, but she will be forever in our hearts.

The Newberne family received friends and family Friday, February 28 , 2020 at 2:00 PM at Antioch United Methodist Church, Adel, GA.  The Funeral service took place immediately following at 3:00 PM with Rev. Christy Bandy officiating.  Directly after the funeral service Dorothy was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery Annex.  Faye Spence played piano and sang "He Touched Me" and Ellen Wiggins led the congregation in the singing of "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace."  Mark Rogers, Jimmy Waller, Glen Waller, Julian Griner, Tommy Cotton, Ira Fender, Duane Newberne and Donnie Newberne served as pallbearers.

The family asks that In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's institute at https://www.alz.org/georgia