She graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans. She met her future husband after a friend asked him to deliver a bag to her brother in New Orleans. After the random encounter, the two eventually took a liking to one another but Joseph left for training in Ft Lewis, WA. Thinking that he’d never see her again, he got a letter from her which started a courtship that led to a journey of 60 years of marital bliss. That journey included several stops overseas in Germany and in the States.
Marion enjoyed her career in Healthcare and was an excellent cook. She could make a mean pot of gumbo, sweet potato pie, pound cake and lemon meringue pie. She was also a huge fan of the author Danielle Steel and read just about every novel she had written. She loyally watched Law and Order (SVU) and one of her favorite soap operas (she called them “stories”) was “The Young and the Restless”. She enjoyed that particular soap because of the central character, Victor Newman. In her mind, he was a “distant relative.”
One of her favorite singers was Etta James whose song, “At Last,” she and Joseph chose as their wedding song. For many years, Charles Brown’s “Please come home for Christmas,” was played on heavy rotation (until the needle broke off the record player) up to New Year’s Day. And when that needle was replaced, she broke it by playing the song “Brandy” by the O’Jays over and over again. She loved that song so much that she insisted we name our dog after the song.
Joseph led the family but Marion was the backbone, the strength and disciplinarian. Being an Army Mom, Marion did not play and if you did not follow her orders, there would be consequences!
Marion was a devout Catholic and attended Mass faithfully with her children. She taught them to extend a helping hand, take communion and to love the Lord.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years 11 months, Joseph Newman Sr; daughters Miriam Martinez and Sandra Newman; sons Joseph Newman, Jr (Rainey) and Tyrone Newman Sr (Karina Campos); grandchildren Tonda Witherspoon, Joseph Newman III, Patrice Newman, Kyianna Forge, Tyrone Newman Jr, Bayley Newman and great grandchild, Isaiah Neloms and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A beloved Mother, Grandmother and Friend who lived a full, eventful life touched by kindness, resolve and faith. She will be missed by all...
(2 Corinthians 5) For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down...we will have a house in heaven...(2 Corinthians 5)
