Lucious Newsom, a popular activist who attracted international attention as the operator of a local food pantry for the needy, died Monday night.
Newsom, who was believed to be 93, had been hospitalized at St. Francis hospital in Beech Grove due to complications from cancer two weeks ago. His wife, daughter, son-in-law and friends were with Newsom at the time of his death.
Although he never smoked, Newsom had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005.
For more than 20 years Newsom fed numerous people with his food pantry and called attention to the serious problem of homelessness and hunger in the Indianapolis community. He also led successful efforts to raise funds for a shelter for children and battered women.
His contagious sense of compassion and inspiring determination impressed national and local political leaders, business executives and professional athletes, all of whom lined up behind Newsom at one time to raise the funds needed for the distribution of over 1,000 bags of groceries to local families.
In 2006 Newsom was able to open Anna’s House, a Westside community center that offers visitors tutoring programs, job placement services, medical screenings and assistance with utility bills, among other services.
The center was named after Anna Molloy, a girl who suffered from a rare genetic disorder called geleophysic dysplasia but courageously worked alongside Newsom to distribute items to the needy. She died on July 31 at age 12. Her mother, Julie will now lead operations at Anna’s House.
A native of Tennessee and former Baptist minister, Newsom visited Indianapolis more than 20 years ago to volunteer for the annual Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Dinner. He wondered how the families served would continue to eat throughout the year, and decided to stay in Indianapolis and address the challenge himself.
Newsom, who humbly called himself “God’s beggar for the poor” and converted to the Catholic faith later in life, was praised by Pope John Paul II for his service.
“In his selflessness, humility and abiding devotion, Lucious lived his faith in a way we lesser people can only hope to approach,” said Gov. Mitch Daniels, who visited Newsom shortly before his death. “We can say with complete assurance he has entered through the narrow gate and walks among the saints.”
Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams, who came to know Newsom as director of the Christamore House, described him as a “servant leader.”
“He was a man of integrity. People trusted him, so when he asked for help they gave,” said Williams.
More recently Newsom participated in efforts to help families devastated by floods that hit the state in June.
“I go to bed so thankful that God gave me this job,” Newsom said recently. “I’m just thankful I can serve him, that he can use an old guy like me. I live by faith. I’m going to keep doing this until God calls me to heaven.”
A funeral mass for Lucious Newsom will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral 1347 N. Meridian.
