Obituaries

Jewell Marie Newman

Photo of Jewell Marie Newman
Jewel Marie Newman, 92, a lifelong resident of Little Rock, passed away October 31, 2018. She was baptized and married in Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, (PHBC) where her father was a deacon. In 1966, she joined Calvary Baptist Church, a church plant of PHBC. Graduating a semester early from Little Rock Senior High School (which is now Central High School), she attended Little Rock Junior College, now UALR, and has been an avid Razorback fan ever since! Marie was employed by the VA, and also was a secretary for federal investigators of the Alcohol Tobacco Tax unit who caught moonshiners! As the "hub of the wheel" for her family, Marie was a great southern cook, an accomplished seamstress, and a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed participating in numerous Bible Studies. Always a "winner," Marie appeared on a nationally televised television game show and won prizes on many levels. She was known as the "Bingo Queen" in her retirement community. She and her husband were active in various Masonic and charitable organizations and traveled the world in support of them. Marie is survived by her daughters, Sherry Marie Newman Marr (Maj. Gen. Richard C. Marr, USAF Ret) of Vancouver, Washington and Judy Newman Beard (James F. Beard III) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Mendy Marie Beard Autry (Darren), Keith Douglas Marr (Shannon), Matthew Adam Marr (Riikka), and Meghan Beard Baylor (Josh); 10 great-grandchildren, Tyler Marr, Allison Marr, Hailey Marie Marr, Lucas Marr, Anna Marie Marr, Emiline Grace Autry, Jack Baylor, Isabelle Baylor, Schaefer Baylor, and Francesca Baylor. Marie loved her friends, as well as the friends of all of her "kids" whom she treated as family. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, James C. Newman, her parents, V.S. and Jewel Gateley O'Neal, and brother, Jack Lynn O'Neal. Throughout her life Marie maintained her faith and her sense of humor, facing whatever challenges arose. She accepted and battled Parkinson's Disease in her usual gracious manner which was an inspiration to all who encountered her. Visitation will be 1 p.m., Saturday November 3rd at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Dr. Ed Simpson and Dr. Scott Jackson followed by interment and service for the family at Arkansas Memorial Gardens in North Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72207 or to The Foundation to Preserve and Promote the Nativity, P.O. Box 23276, Little Rock, Ark. 72221-3276 (displayed at the Arkansas State Capitol). Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Newman's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published November 1, 2018

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