Mary Elizabeth Newton

Mary Elizabeth Newton, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law at the wonderful age of 95.  Dr. John W. McAfee, Sr. and Karen were privileged to have her live with them the past eleven years as her health started a slow and steady decline.

She was born January 3, 1926 to Earl Armstead Day and Mattie E. Montgomery Day in Avinger, Texas.  She was one of seven children born to this family – F.C. Montgomery; Andrea Thompson (James); Edith Quinney (Dan); Myrcie Brown (Charles); Thelma Robinson (Bennie) and Earl E. Day (Roselma).   In 1943 Mary graduated from Fairview High School in Linden, Texas where she had been a member of the basketball team and an active participant in several clubs on campus.   Upon graduation, she enrolled at Bishop College in Marshall, Texas on an academic scholarship, pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.  While in college she met and married James W. Newton, Sr. and to this union they added four children while she finished up her studies.    Her constant drive for learning pushed her to continue her educational pursuits doing graduate work at the University of Washington in Seattle, the University of Denver in Colorado, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.    She enjoyed a wonderful career in teaching   that spanned well over 60 years – starting in Lubbock and eventually ending in Midland, Texas;   teaching in the public schools and charter schools.   After retirement, you could often see Mary substituting every day of the week.  She absolutely loved working with young minds and insisted on excellence from her students.

Mary was a devoted and faithful member of the North Side Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school classes, Wednesday night bible classes, Bible Bowl classes, and was often asked to speak on Ladies Day programs.  She attended the Crusade for Christ Conventions and thoroughly enjoyed singing in the Mass Choir.  She loved the Lord and taught her children to do the same.

Preceding her in death were:  her mother, father, husband, one brother – F.C. Montgomery; four sisters – Andrea, Edith, Myrcie, and Thelma.  She also lost one son – James W. Newton, Jr.; and two daughters – Joan E. Newton, and Marguerite Daphne Tennison.   Left to cherish her memories are one brother – Earl E. Day, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and one daughter – Karen Walker McAfee (John) – Midland, Texas.   She is survived by seven grandchildren – Veronica McAfee, Charlotte McAfee, John W. McAfee, Jr.,  Shyla Newton, Christopher Walker (Marci), Derrick Walker (Stephanie), and Art W. Tennison IV.  She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren – Jordan Collins-Walker, Jacob Collins- Walker, Cydney Lee McAfee, Jade Whitley Walker, Jessalyn Marie Walker, Mya Elise Walker, and Brayden James Walker.  She has been blessed to have numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and church friends that have loved her fiercely.   Mary was strong, smart, and an avid reader.  She had a beautiful personality, was always willing to help in any way she could,  was loved and cherished by her family and friends, and will  be greatly missed.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Permian Cardiology – Dr. Barnett, Marcy Askins, Diana; the exceptional staff at Midland Memorial Hospital, and Hospice of Midland.

The family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 2, 2021 at Northside Church of Christ in Midland.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park in Lubbock.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.