Newton, Mary Alice Mitchell – affectionately known as Mama Newton, Granny, Ma, Aunt Mae, Aanee and best friend to many, was born November 24, 1933 the first of 11 children to the late Herman and Verona Mitchell.

On June 15, 1957, she married the love of her life, Melvin Newton. They were married 42 years and raised 4 children prior to his death in 1999. Mary was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and longed for the day when all of Jehovah’s promises will be fulfilled (Rev 21:1-5). She remained faithful until her death. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Arthur Mitchell and sisters, Daisy Fitzpatrick and Virginia Flack.

She leaves to mourn her passing: devoted children, Brenda Newton, Sharon Newton, Melvin (Karen) Newton, all of Knoxville, and Lawrence (Dora) Newton, Etowah, TN; grandchildren: Lawrence “LJ” Newton, Wesley Gibson, both of Knoxville, Whitney Newton, Nashville, TN, Camden Newton, Louisville, KY, TJ Bewley, Johnson City, TN, Chester (Misty) Brown, Etowah, TN, Mericilla (Eric) Giddens, Nashville, TN, Gabriel Brown and Iwanna Knox, both of Athens, TN; eight great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; surviving siblings: Herman Mitchell, Lawrence Mitchell, Lonnie (Peggy) Mitchell and Brenda (William) Cansler, all of Knoxville, James (Yvonne) Mitchell, Memphis, TN, Joyce (Walter) Parton, Maryville, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; many dear friends including Eleanor Locke, Tampa, FL,  Ms. Johnnie Barker, Elizabeth Tippitt, Carty Conwell, Yvonne Lee, all of Knoxville, Betty Robinson, Faye Willis, both of Johnson City; extended families to include: Colquitt Family, Taylor Family, Gerra Family and Green Family; special daughters: Sharron Colquitt Glass, Maria Bingham and Patrice Askew. Special thanks to nursing staff @ UTMC for the excellent care given to our love one. On Saturday, August 11, 2012, visitation will begin at 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at The Kingdom Hall, 110 E. Young High Pike. Bro. Charles Bowers officiating.

Byrd, Rosa – departed this life on the morning of July 24, 2012. She was the fifth of nine children born to George, Sr.  and Olivia Byrd in Fountain Inn, South Carolina on November 10, 1919. Early in her life the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. She completed her education at Austin High School and then attended Tennessee State University.

She will be most remembered for her cooking skills and her hospitality. Everyone that entered her home was offered a delicious meal. As her life progressed, Rosa became the caregiver for her mother in her elder years. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing to create her own clothing.

Rosa was preceded in death by her sisters Wille Mae Gaddis, Ruth Walker and Curlee Lyons: and brothers Theron Byrd, and Lee Roy Byrd.  Throughout her life, Rosa enjoyed the company of her niece Cheryl (Henry) Cardwell of Knoxville and nephew Michael Hutchinson of Hillsborough, NC.

In her later years she was cared for by her beloved sister Edith (Fredrick) Jackson of Knoxville who will cherish her memory and life. She also leaves her brother Reverend George Byrd, Jr. of Knoxville; sister Eliza (Luther) Anderson of Upper Marlboro, MD and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of NHC Fort Sanders and Caris Health Care for the excellent care they provided Rosa.

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Johnny R. Watson, Sr. officiating. Interment will take place at New Gray Cemetery where a full dove release will conclude the service.