Laura Jane Newman

LAURA JANE NEWMAN, 55, long-time Little Rock resident and native of Hot Springs, joined her angel friends, and family, Jan. 25, 2013, after an incredible journey through life. She worked as a writer for nearly 30 years, including as a newspaper reporter, public relations professional, and in corporate communications. She served in past years as president of the Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, chairperson of Riverfest, president of the Arkansas Women's History Institute, and as a member of the St. Vincent Auxiliary. She received a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Alabama, a master's degree in writing form UALR, and was a doctoral fellow in Rhetoric at Carnegie Mellon University. She volunteered for many community causes and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. After an incredible journey through life, her last seven years, while influenced by a diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer, were busy with family and friends. She discovered the bliss of life and spent every day celebrating the beauty of each moment. She was not conquered by cancer because she beat the odds and lived each day to the fullest believing that each day was a gift from God. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2006 she spent her time writing, knitting, needlepointing, traveling and working on her "bucket list," and encouraging/inspiring others. She and her dog, Louie, were pet therapy volunteers for Arkansas Hospice and she was a handbell ringer at Trinity Cathedral. She is survived by her parents Jerry and Sue Newman of Arkadelphia, two brothers; Dwight of Harrison, Ark., Marcus and his wife Teresa of Paducah, Ky., two nieces and two nephews which she adored, a host of wonderful cousins, friends and caregivers and her precious dog Louie. A memorial service will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, with private interment in Antioch Cemetery, Ark. Highway 225 East, Greenbrier, Ark. You may pay your respects to Laura during the open visitation at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway (501) 224-8300 from 3-7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Laura: Susan Komen Foundation, New Outlook at St. Vincents, Angel Flights, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Needlepoint Guild (ANG), or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerchenalfuneralhome.com/chenal.