Actor and writer Miguel A. Núñez Jr. shared an emotional tribute for his mother after her January 23 passing.
Betty Jean Newsome died at the age of 86 for causes unknown. “Today I not only lost my best friend..but I lost the hero of my life. 💔😢,” Núñez wrote on an Instagram post.
“There are people who raise you…and then there are people who shape your soul. She was mine. Strong. Loving. Graceful. My foundation when life tried to shake me.
‘Thank you all for the prayers, the love and the heartfelt condolences,’” he wrote while showing his mother’s deceased body.
In another post, Núñez praised Newsome for her accomplishments including, co-writing James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Though Newsome never achieved the fame or recognition that Brown did for the song, the message of her lyrical contribution helped shape one of the greatest soul records of all time/
Núñez also highlighted her resilience as a mother – raising eight children – and the legacy she leaves for them.
“She’s on to her next amazing journey. I guess I am at peace now,” Núñez said in the video.
Singer Melba Moore, comedian Sommore, and reality TV star Tami Roman left messages of condolence under his tribute.
Another Instagram user added: “She shared you with the world, now thank you for sharing her with us. This reminds us that fame doesn’t take away reality. I felt your internalized grief in this post. Mom will always be Mom no matter how old we get. I’m praying for your inner man because the days ahead are going to be the most difficult you’ll have in life.”
Learn more about Betty Jean Newsome’s experience at Florida A&M University in the TikTok clip below:
Miguel A. Núñez, Jr., is best known for his supporting roles in The Return of the Living Dead and Life and a leading role in Juwanna Mann. His first major screen role was the supporting role of Spider in The Return of the Living Dead, and his first major starring role was that of Marcus Taylor on the CBS series Tour of Duty, where he was a main cast member for all three seasons of the show.