Lydia Ann Newman

Lydia Ann Mathilda Newman went to be with the Lord on Mar 26, 2019. She was a woman of faith in Jesus Christ and spent her life serving him and others. She was raised on a farm near Dixie, Ga., with her 10 brothers and sisters. Her parents were John and Kitty Lenora Trotter. She attributed her long life of 101 years to God's blessings and hard work on the farm in her early years. She excelled in school and was the valedictorian of her class. She enjoyed learning throughout her life, educating herself in many areas through reading, travel, and interest in current affairs. She especially liked to play basketball on her high school team in Dixie and maintained an interest in sports all her life. Mrs. Newman married Wheeler Eugene Newman in Mar 1941. During his 33 year Air Force career she raised 5 children with him away on military duty much of the time. There were many moves from place to place in the US, plus 2 overseas assignments to England and Spain. She always rose to each new challenge with a sense of adventure and a positive spirit. She would find a new church home where she could serve, and she taught various ages in Sunday school for over 50 years. Her talents were many. She became a nurse at age 56 and worked in that profession for 10 years. She learned Spanish in Spain, served as room mother and softball coach at school, collected antiques on her travels abroad, and was an excellent cook and seamstress. She was fond of SCRABBLE and word games. She loved to laugh and tell a funny story. Her mind was keen to the end of her life sharing Bible stories, quoting poems and Scripture, and discussing current events. She always maintained an interest in others. Mrs. Newman's accomplishments were many, but she would always say her greatest achievement was her children. She was a devoted wife and mother who set the example of goodness and kindness. She was a true beauty inside and out, a woman of joy and grace. She truly was a Proverbs 3l woman. She had strength, dignity, and a positive outlook. She was kind and wise, always taking care of others. Her children rise up and bless her, her husband also. A woman who loved the Lord who is to be praised. She is survived by her children: Bobbie Engel (Fred); of Prescott, Az; Brenda Hagan (Frank) of Lake 0' the Pines, Tx; Susan Garland (Don) of Thomasville, Ga; Wheeler Newman (Charlene) of Thomasville, Ga; and Janet Powell (Randy) of Terrell, Tx. Her grandchildren: Karen Dyes, Elaine Wise, Erik Rudiger, Wheeler​ Newman, Ryan Newman, Katelyn Newman, Ricky Powell, and Alan Powell. Her 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. With love and gratitude to her many caregivers over the years whose kindness cannot be repaid. Special thanks to April McClelland, Cynthia Clark, Gwen Holland, and Rochelle Cooper.