Carmelia Harper Newton

Carmelia Harper Newton, 81, of Thornton died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. She was born Aug. 12, 1929 in Calhoun County. She was a retired beautician and a member of First United Methodist Church in Bearden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Cleveland Harper and Alpha Cooper Harper; husband, Rex Newton and daughter, Rexann Newton. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Allen and Vicki Newton of Thornton, Leo and Becky Newton of Hopeville; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to give a special thanks to Carmelia's dear friend, Emma Calahan. Visitation will be Sunday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Campground Cemetery near Hampton with Rev. Andy Hughes officiating. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.