Dr. Rita Louise Gray Newman

Rita grew up in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Dr. Morris H. and Fannie Gray (deceased.) She was a graduate of Heights High School in Cleveland, Southern Methodist University (BA), Southern Methodist University (MA), Texas Women’s University (PhD). Rita was an Adjunct Professor at Texas Women’s University and University of North Texas. Rita was an active member in the Temple Emanuel Choir for 32 years and over 35 years with the Rotary Club of Dallas.

She was an elementary school teacher at Sidney Lanier Elementary, and principal of McMillan Primary School and Amelia Earhart Elementary. She received the highest honor for a school principal in the State of Texas, as being named the Principal of the Year in 1987 by North Texas State University. Among her other others were the Educational Leadership Award from North Texas State, Margaret Cone Award, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from NTSU.

Rita’s life was her family; her children and grandchildren and spent time in retirement visiting them throughout the country.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Husband of 25 years, Robert J. Newman (deceased); Children: Jeffrey and Sylvia Newman of Nashville, TN, Joel and Janet Newman of Vail, CO, Morris Newman of Dallas, TX. Grandchildren: Alex, Harriet and Jacob Newman, Rachel and Emily Newman. Sister of Alan D. Gray (deceased) of Cleveland, OH, and nephews Steve, Dale Newman and Sheryl Butler; Melinda Roth, Jennifer Hornstein, Daniel and Neil Gray.

Funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Sparkman Hillcrest, Dallas, Texas.

Memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital.