Esther Faye Leeper Newborn

Esther Faye Leeper was born on March 22, 1950 to Londell and Elnora Tidwell Leeper in Okolona, Arkansas. Esther accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H. R. Green. She grew up in Okolona and was a 1967 graduate of Simmons High School.

She excelled as a student and was always serious about attaining her education. She furthered her education and enrolled at Red River Vocational College earning an associates degree in Business in 1969.

Faye met the handsome Jesse L. Newborn. After an appropriate period of courtship, they were married on November 27, 1969 and she was a devoted wife. They settled and made their home in Arkadelphia. “Red” as she was affectionately called by J.L. was blessed to be the mother of Constance, Fabian and Jessica. She loved her children passionately and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She united with Mt. Morriah Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. Later, she dutifully fulfilled her role as a helpmate and First Lady to Rev. J. L. Newborn by supporting their ministry at Macedonia Baptist Church. She served as chair of many committees including chairlady of the Birthday Committee/Card Ministry, she served with the Women of Christ, WMU, Choir and as an instructor of Woman of Grace.

Faye was an employee of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration where she retired after 31 years of continuous service. 

Faye loved shopping and cooking, as well as, gardening and tending to her flower beds.  She enjoyed listening to all types of gospel music and her favorite song was “Take Me to the King”. Faye was the type of person one could confide in and rely on as a true and trusted friend.

After 71 years of a good life, she traded time for eternity and passed on Thursday, September 23, 2021 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Londell and Elnora Tidwell Leeper; two sisters, Mattie and Cynthia and her grandson, Christopher Newborn.

Faye leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of many. There where those who learned from her, as well as, those who she inspired to pursue higher goals. Some looked at how she managed her life and saw it as a blueprint to achieve greatness. 

A lifetime of love and memories will be felt by her husband, Rev. Jesse L. Newborn of Arkadelphia, AR; her children: Constance (Donnie) Brown of North Little Rock, AR, Fabian (Kristie) Newborn of Sherwood, AR and Jessica (Derrick) Marlow of Arkadelphia, AR; seven grandchildren, De’Metrey (Tomara) Brown, Donnecia Brown, Faith Newborn, Fabian Newborn, Jr., Kaden Marlow, and Nevaeh Marlow; three great-grandchildren, Rickey Pointer, Jr.,  Jamiah Brown, and Mason Brown; five brothers, Henry J. (Renita) Leeper, Carl E. (Johnnie) Leeper, Don Leeper, and Freddie Leeper all of Okolona and Harold (Tanya) Leeper of Flint, MI; four sisters, Helen (John) Ross, Louise Leeper, Andranette (Ricky) Norton all of Okolona, and Maude (Roy) Rogers of Hensley; three aunts, Esther M. Leeper-Hunter, Charlene Leeper and Zeola Leeper; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Gracie (Albert) Neal of Arkadelphia, Clara Craig of Arkadelphia, William (Cynthia) Newborn of Malvern, Rufus (Betty) Newborn of Arkadelphia, Debbie (Robert) Harper of Magnolia, Martin (Freda) Newborn of Arkadelphia and Rhonda Newborn of Arkadelphia; a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, her childhood bestfriend, Carolyn Alexander, innumerable friends and the Macedonia Baptist Church family.

Public visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021 at Williams Funeral Home.

A service in honor of her life will be shared at noon on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Macedonia Baptist Church, with Rev. Vernon Moody, officiating and Dr. B. E. Blackmon, eulogist. Private interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

Family and friends please note that temperature checks and mask are required upon entry of the sanctuary.

Pallbearers will be Shunn Newborn, Donte Norton, Calvis Craig, Johnical Craig, Keith Leeper and Kevin Leeper. Honorable to mention are Dr. B. E. Blackmon, Rev. Johnny C. Harris, Rev. Vernon Thompson, Rev. Rufus R. Hatley, Rev. Roy Owens, Rev. Vernon R. Moody, Sr., Rev. Kevin Scribner, Rev. Richard Dixon, Rev. L. A. Craig, Rev. A. S. Newburn, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., Rev. D. R. Crossley, Rev. Harvey Goodwin, Terry Nelson, and Charles "Peter" Blacknall.