Nita Newman

Nita, the only daughter of Annie Laura Whitehead Harrell and Bennie Dewey Harrell, was born in Natchez, Mississippi, on January 21, 1922. In her younger years she lived for a short time with her older brother and their parents in Brownsville, Mississippi, before the family settled in Jackson.

Nita graduated from Jackson Central High School in 1940 and immediately began a successful career with South Central Bell Telephone Company. Beginning her career as an Operator, she quickly rose through the ranks to the position of Mississippi Division Traffic Supervisor. She retired from that position after 25 years of dedicated service.

She was for many years an active and enthusiastic member of Central Presbyterian Church and later Northpark Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of The Telephone Pioneers and The Fondren Civinettes.

She married James (Jim) Marion Newman in 1943 while he was on furlough from service in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific Theater during World War II.

Their 69 year marriage was blessed with one daughter, three grandsons, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Nita is survived by her daughter, Pennie Barclay of Collierville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ken Martin of Murfreesboro, TN, Steve Martin and his wife, Chris of Memphis, TN. and Barry Barclay of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Dustin Martin of Murfreesboro, TN, McKensie Martin, Cooper Martin, and Molly Martin of Memphis, TN; and, two great-great-grandchildren, Madison Martin and Gavin Martin of Murfreesboro, TN.

In addition to her parents, she is pre-deceased by her husband, James M. (Jim) Newman, brother, Bennie D. Harrell, Jr., and her son-in-law, Bob Barclay.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2013, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Cedarlawn Cemetery.

Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com