Viola Maria Newton

Viola Newton entered the world in Frederiksted, on the picturesque island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands, in 1945. Her early years were marked by a brilliant mind and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, earning her numerous accolades throughout her academic journey. After graduating with her Associates from the University of the Virgin Islands, she pursued higher education at New York University, where she earned both a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Mathematics. Her passion for teaching ignited early, and she returned to her roots to inspire young minds in the Virgin Islands' classrooms.

In 1983, Viola relocated with her family to Columbus, Ohio, where she further honed her academic prowess, obtaining a Master of Arts, and later a Doctor of Philosophy, in English from The Ohio State University. She became a tenured faculty member at Columbus State Community College where she earned her the esteemed title of the institution's first black faculty member to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award and promoted to department chairperson. In 1994, Dr. Newton returned to OSU as a senior lecturer, where she taught until her retirement in 2013. She periodically returned to teach on a part-time basis for the university until 2019. For five decades, Dr. Newton's impact extended far beyond the standard classroom, touching the lives of countless students and colleagues. Dr. Newton's commitment to education transcended borders, leading her to teach abroad in Ghana and facilitate workshops across Ohio.

Viola's heart belonged to her family. For over six decades, she shared an enduring bond with her beloved husband, Keith, and together they nurtured three children: Ingrid Newton, Dr. Keith Newton, and Dr. Kristine Newton, and cherished grandchildren: Selin, Salima, and Keith. She also helped raised several nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Viola was the matriarch and the pillar of strength for her family as well as a source of strength and confidence for many friends. Her home was a haven of warmth and laughter, where friends, family, and students alike were welcomed with open arms. Her culinary talents, blunt humor, legendary parties, and boundless generosity enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Visitation will take place on Thursday May 16, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Dr. Newton’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 322 Stewart Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, with additional visitation available from 10:00am-11:00am. The funeral service can be viewed via livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@st.paulslutheranchurchcolu5117.

Dr. Newton will be laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Garden in Columbus, Ohio following a committal service at the gravesite. The repast will be held in the auditorium of St. Paul Lutheran Church immediately following the committal on May 17th. Friends and family of Viola are invited to join in honoring her memory and sharing stories of her remarkable life.

Dr. Viola Maria Newton will forever be remembered for her brilliance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to knowledge. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the wisdom she imparted, and the love she shared. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.