Annette Newberry

She was born July 10, 1941, in her grandparents’ rock house along Cypress Creek in Wimberley, Texas, to Clyde William Morris and Mildred Marjory Morris.

Annette lived a life defined by faith, service and devotion to others. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, missionary, teacher, and faithful servant of Christ whose unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel carried her across the world. Through her ministry, she impacted countless lives with compassion, wisdom and steadfast faith.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and grandson, Brent Rushing.

Annette is survived by her husband of 68 years, Warren Bruce Newberry. She leaves behind her children, Evangeline (Steve Sr.) Smith, and Michael (Lanita) Newberry. She is also survived by her sisters, Clydene Chinetti, Bonnie Nelson, and Charlotte Larson, as well as her beloved cousin, Susan Seabrook Johnson. Annette was a proud grandmother to Marissa Bistan, Ricky Green, Brooke Carter, and Steven Smith Jr. She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews who brought her immense joy.

Her life’s ministry spanned decades of faithful service and was ordained by the West Texas District of the Assemblies of God, USA. Her missionary work included serving in Malawi, Africa (1968–1994), Jamaica (1994–2000), Bosnia (2001), and Belize (2001–2002) and short terms in Singapore. During the last twelve years of missionary service, she and her husband, Warren, were seconded to The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield Missouri, where she held the academic rank of Associate Professor of Pentecostal History and Missions.

Her passion to both ministry and education was evident in her many academic accomplishments. She earned three undergraduate degrees as well as a Doctor of Ministry, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Literature. She was fluent in the Malawi language of Chichewa, and studied French, New Testament Greek, and Old Testament Hebrew.

Annette also contributed significantly to Christian education through her published writings. She authored a textbook on “Assemblies of God History, Missions, and governance” and “General Epistles” for an African audience. Together with her husband, they edited and updated a volume entitled “Miracles, Missions, and American Pentecostalism” by Dr. Gary McGee following his passing. She also authored twelve published journal articles.

Annette will be remembered for her deep faith, her heart for missions, and her enduring love for her family and church community. Her life stands as a testimony to a life faithfully lived in service to God and others. The Africans she loved and taught call her “Mama” Newberry (Anambewe).

She loved family history and genealogy and was a sixth generation Texan and member of the Sterling C. Robertson Chapter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

“In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Africa’s Hope at PO Box 6200, Springfield, MO 65801 or using this giving link: https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-682769?class=40&comments=Newberry. Please mark all gifts as “Newberry.”