Helen Newman

Helen Marie Long Drennan Newman, Helen, 83, died after a long and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on September 22, 2013, in Washington, DC with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Helen was born July 31, 1930, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Elton and Raymelle Long. She married Jewell J. Drennan in 1947. She graduated from Daugh's School of Business in Little Rock. After graduation, she worked at Southwestern Bell in Little Rock for many years. She then moved to Benton and worked at Reynolds Metals Co. as the administrative assistant to the research division. After Jewell Drennan's death, Helen moved to Searcy, Arkansas and took over the "Diamond District" for Avon. She met and married Jay Newman in 1975, and they opened Newman Real Estate. She was a Realtor for many years and served on numerous boards and commissions. Helen was an outgoing and loving woman who had lots of families to her home to share in the bounty life bestowed. She was an active member of her church. She used her skills in her volunteer work for various organizations, including the Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, Byrd Haven, and the Foothill Church of Christ. Helen is survived by her husband, J.R. "Jay" Newman; daughter, Jewelyn, and her husband, Dr. Richard Sims of Washington, D.C.; son, David B. Drennan of Searcy, Arkansas; and a step-son Russ Newman and his wife, Mary of Rose Bud, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Jason R. Bradshaw and his wife, Stefanie of Tennessee, Chelsea D. Drennan of Little Rock, Arkansas, Brantley Drennan of Findley, Ohio, Dr. Jonathan J. Bradshaw and his wife Dr. Stephanie Bradshaw, In addition three step-grandchildren Austin Sims, Adam Sims, and Ashley Daniels and her husband, Charlie of Little Rock, Arkansas, and three great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her sister, Carolyn Sue Myers of Texas, brother, James E. Long of Mississippi, and her youngest sister, Patsy A. Long of Florida. Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, Jewell Drennan, parents, and a sister, Betsy Aileen Long. Visitation will be Thursday, September 26, 2013, 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy, Arkansas (501) 268-3546. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2013 in the funeral home chapel. Committal service will be 2 p.m. Friday in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. The family requests no flowers, but contributions can be made to the Searcy Children's Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.