Malissie Newman

Malissie Stephens Newman

Blythe, GA  –              Malissie Ann Stephens Newman, 93, loving wife of 71 years to the late Calton Alton “C.A.” Newman, peacefully entered into her eternal home early Saturday  morning, July 23, 2022, at her residence in Blythe. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, July 25, 2022 in the Blythe Baptist Church with the Reverend Roy “Buddy” Frierson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

One of ten children born to the late Lizzie Daly Stephens and the late Tampa J. Stephens, Malissie graduated from Blythe High School and lived most of her life in the Keysville-Blythe area.  She married the love of her life in 1948 and soon thereafter started their family.  Malissie’s first priority was her family and provided them a loving, comfortable safe haven.  In 1978, she began her career as a Librarian Aide with Richmond County Board of Education, retiring after 20 years of service in 1998.  She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, working in her flower garden and doing yardwork. Malissie loved her Lord and Savior, serving Him for 65+ years at Blythe Baptist Church—teaching the Primary children’s Sunday School class, being a member of the WMU, teaching Bible School, and faithfully attending until her health decline.  She was described as being kind, caring, giving, and as having a gentle nature and the sweetest smile.  She loved her family and their get-togethers and family reunions.  She was definitely the happiest and most content in their presence—the larger her family grew, the bigger her heart grew.   Her loving spirit will be greatly missed here on Earth but we are comforted in the knowledge that Jesus took her to Heaven where she has a new, pain-free body and is together again with C.A.

Malissie was also preceded in death by seven siblings, Dennis Stephens, Russell Stephens, Lois Upchurch, Anne Taylor, Jeanette Adams, Rickie Prescott and Joan Farmer. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Larry Newman (Ida), Jerry Newman (Brenda), Danny Newman (Vicki), and Pam Callaway (Barry); special niece who was a second daughter to her, Beth Dunn (Tony); eight grandchildren, Cal Newman (Christie), Laurie Newman, Lee Newman Jr., Missy Lanier (Will), Craig Newman (Samantha), Chelsea Newman, Jennifer Drew (Frank) and Thomas New; eighteen great grandchildren, Cameron Rampulla, Lanie Zellner (D.J.), Grace Love (Isaiah), Cadence Ferron, Caleb Newman, Jacob Newman, Lydia Newman, Alexis Lanier, Austin Lanier, Kyndal Lanier, Brooks Lanier, Marlee Newman, Fiona Callow, Maci New, Asher Drew, Luke Drew, Haley New, and McKayla New; two great-great grandchildren, R. J. Wright and Dane Zellner; two sisters, Jane Underwood (Bob) and Bonnie Clark (Tom);  nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Cal Newman, Craig Newman, Lee Newman, Thomas New, Kenneth Holley Jr. and Will Lanier.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to our “adopted brother”, Jerry James, for his loving support and assistance over the years.  The family also wishes to acknowledge their appreciation to her caregivers, Sandra Lewis and family, and the staff of Promedica Hospice for their professional, The family will receive friends from 2:30 – 4:00 P.M Monday afternoon, July 25, 2022 prior to the services at Blythe Baptist Church.