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Thursday afternoon was one of celebration at Autumn Care of Suffolk as Laurie Rosalind Bailey Newsome’s family and friends marked her 100th birthday.

Her special day included a moment honoring Newsome service as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. The Nurse Corps was created 1943 in response to the WWII nursing shortages. 

Originally born in Wakefield, Newsome was one of many who joined the Corps sometime between 1943 and 1944 following her graduation from Suffolk High School. 

After completing training at the Norfolk General Hospital School of Nursing, she was assigned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she cared for many wounded service members at the United States veterans hospital. 

Following the war, she went on to care for others in her 40-year nursing career serving Suffolk’s Obici Hospital, as well as Riverside Hospital in Newport News and Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth.

Her first cousin Charlotte Harris said they grew up together reflecting on their early days and how Newsome stayed in Norfolk during her training.

“I always tried to stay in touch,” Harris said.

For her service in the Nursing Corps in World War II, Newsome received a Virginia House of Delegates Resolution from Del. Emily Brewer, R-Isle of Wight, and a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Suffolk, presented by Mayor Michael D. Duman. 

Following the ceremony, Newsome shared that it was great it was to be with her family and how happy she is to make it to 100. 

“I’m glad I got here,” Newsome said happily.