Mary Jane "Nanny" Newburn

On May 20, 1920 in Griffith Town, a small and close knit community outside of Arkadelphia, Ausie and Selma Marie Jones Seawood welcomed the birth of their first child, a daughter they named Mary Jane. She confessed her hope in Christ and was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church. She later joined Mt. Morriah Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Newburn where she served faithfully as a deaconess, in the Missionary society, on the kitchen committee, a member of the senior choir and with the Brandy Ferrell Vacation Bible School. Her early education began in Piney Grove, but she later attended and graduated from Peake High School. Mary Jane lived her life by the teaching of her parents; a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Following an appropriate period of courtship, in 1948, she married her sweetheart, the handsome Joel Edward Newburn. The Lord entrusted six children into their care to love and nurture. She along with Joel made many sacrifices to support their family. “Nanny”, as she was affectionately named by her grandson Derrick, and called by friends and loved ones, was a retired employee of Arkadelphia Laundry and the Arkadelphia Human Development Center. She had a strong work ethic, a gentle demeanor and a quiet sophistication. Of her many accomplishments, what was most dear to her was the love she had for young people. She worked untiring as a foster grandparent for 25 years. For over 89 years she lived a faithful life with hope in Christ and a commitment to serve her community. She was actively involved in many groups and organizations, namely the Piney Gove and Pleasant Hill Cemetery Board. After 50 wonderful years of sharing life with Joel Edward, he was called to glory to be with the Lord on December 20, 1994. On Thursday, April 22, 2020 in Courtyard Gardens Health and Rehabilitation, Nanny peacefully surrenderd her soul to Christ with her children at her side. She was preceded in transition by her siblings, Lula Dell Newburn, Jather Seawood, Jacob Seawood, Baby Jacob Seawood, Allie Seawood and Dorothy Draine; and by two of her grandchildren, oldest grandson, Derrrick Dupree Newburn and oldest granddaughter, Brandy Michelle Ferrell. She leaves indelible impressions on the hearts of her children: Thelma (Richard) Harris and Velma Newburn of Little Rock; Alvin (Edna) Newburn, Edward (Deborah) Newburn, Belinda Hughes and Ester Mitchell all of Arkadelphia; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, Oh how she loved her grands; one brother, Ocie T. (Bernice) Seawood of Saledo, Texas and one sister, Odessa Patterson of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Bessie Blacknall, and Mollie (Alfred) Smith both of Arkadelphia, and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and the Mt. Morriah Baptist Church family. Mrs. Newburn will lie in state on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The family will greet and receive friends from 6-7 p.m. at Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. A celebration of her life will be held on at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor and Rev. Vernon Moody, the pastor of Mt. Morriah Baptist Church will preach a message of comfort and hope. The committal service and final resting place will be in Piney Grove Cemetery. Bearers of the casket will be Marcus Newburn, Kerry Newburn, LaRon Hughes, Orlando Newburn, Michael Ferrell, Christopher Newburn, Daryl Newburn, and Samuel Mitchell.II. In lieu of flowers, send donation in memory of Mrs. Newburn to the Mt. Morriah Henry C. McCauley Scholarship Fund c/o P O Box 566, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.