It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Newton, age 82, announces her passing on December 2, 2025, after a long battle with illness. Mary passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones. Mary Newton was born on December 17, 1942, in Decatur, Alabama, to Ireless Augustine “Chick” and Elva Mae Herchenhahn. Known for her vibrant personality, kindness, and remarkable ability to bring out the best in those around her, Mary’s warmth and generosity touched everyone she met. Whether a friend, colleague, or family member, you couldn’t help but feel her genuine care and concern. Her special gift for making people feel valued, heard, and understood reflected her compassionate spirit. Mary flourished in meeting new people and never met a stranger. Her ability to connect with others and make them feel comfortable and welcome was one of her most treasured qualities.
Mary Newton graduated from Calhoun Community College with an associate degree in nursing. She began her career managing a nursing home, but her greatest accomplishments came later in life when she worked at Teledyne Brown Engineering. There, she worked her way from assistant to head security officer, where she spent many years before retiring. She faced obstacles head-on and was driven by a determination to succeed. Mary’s talents and interests were as diverse as they were abundant. She was a gifted painter, a talented seamstress, an expert baker, and a dedicated genealogist. She had a love for spontaneity and adventure, often traveling to new destinations. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she poured herself into every project she touched.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Riley “JR” Newton; her four children, Joey Newton, Kim Newton, Brian Newton, and Nick Newton; and a host of grandchildren.
Mary’s love for her children was boundless. She worked tirelessly to balance the demands of work and family life, always ensuring that her children knew they were her top priority. She instilled in them important values: hard work, kindness, and perseverance. In addition to being a devoted mother, Mary had a deep faith that sustained her through the storms of life. She called upon God for strength and guidance, and her faith was a source of comfort and peace. It was this same faith that helped her face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Through her actions, Mary taught her children and everyone around her the power of love, compassion, and trust in God.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ireless and Elva Herchenhahn.
A celebration of Mary Newton’s life will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, located at 23599 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL 35673, at 2:00 p.m. on January 6, 2025. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to service.
While we feel her loss deeply, we also celebrate the lasting legacy of love, strength, and grace that she leaves behind. Mary Newton will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in God’s perfect peace.
