Mattie Jo (Goble) McNew

Mattie Jo (Goble) McNew, 85, of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2011. After 68 years of marriage, sitting at the kitchen table, together they tell the story of when they met. John D. was "that McNew boy" from Greenbrier, and she was the feisty, blue-eyed, 17 year-old that had placed a bet. She bet her friends lunch that she would talk to the tall, dark, handsome 20 year-old coming down the road. To her friends' astonishment, she knew his name and he already had his eye on her. He asked her to lunch and she took a rain check--her friends owed her lunch today. It wasn't long before they took a ride in his truck, with her cousin following all the way. John D. finally worked up the nerve to kiss her, and from that moment they were inseparable. Their life together was filled with joy and love. They built the foundation for a family like no other, and made sure to instill the importance of family - Mattie Jo's beautiful prized possession. Her five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and those who she simply took in as her own were her world. There was never someone who came to visit her or whom she met that she did not adopt. Her door and her heart were always open. If someone was going through a tough time, she'd say, "Well just come on over, you're part of the family." Her house wasn't just a place to visit; it was home. When Mattie Jo was around there was never a dull moment. Whether she was doing the jitterbug in the living room, putting the pedal to the metal, yelling loudly at the refs during a Razorback football game, or watching wrestling on a Saturday night, she was sure to keep everyone smiling. Mattie Jo was born to George and Mattie Mae Goble of Conway on October 25, 1926. Both of her parents were deaf mutes. She learned to communicate by sign language at an early age, and used this in her ministry. Mattie Jo was a member of First Assembly in North Little Rock. She ministered in uncountable ways. She sang in the choir for over 40 years. One of her greatest joys was teaching Sunday School and Junior Bible Quiz. She truly cared about every soul. Her unshakable faith held the family together when her only son was in Desert Shield, when her oldest daughter battled cancer, and in every rough patch each one of us would face. She was famous for the reminder that "this too shall pass" and somehow when she said it, you believed it. Her words of wisdom and faith brought a peace so still and a comfort so warm that you knew the presence of the Lord was there when she spoke. She is preceded in death by her loving parents. She is survived by the love of her life, John D. McNew. Daughters, Joan Parker of Chicago, Ill.; Sue Fields & Ray of Maumelle; Glenda Sutherlin & David of El Dorado; Denise Rozell of Fayetteville; and son Vernon McNew & Kathy of Beebe. Grandchildren Karen Lombardi & Mike; Mike Parker & Debbie; Kerri Matras & Keith; Todd Fields & Wendie; Tiffany Fields; Shane Miller; Shannon Helmuth; Sheldon Miller; Roger Rozell & Claudia; Stephanie Rozell; Meghan McNew. Memorials may be made to 100 x 100 Missions Project, at First Assembly of God Church, 4501 Burrow Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday at First Assembly of God Church in North Little Rock. Burial will be in Stone Cemetery in Conway, Arkansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.