Judy Lynn (Strickland) Newton

Judy Lynn Newton, 84, of Tucker, GA passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025 at home from respiratory issues. She was the daughter of the late Robert Franklin Strickland and Julia Chatham Strickland of Atlanta. She grew up in Sylvan Hills and moved to Buckhead in 1947. She attended R. L. Hope Elementary School and North Fulton High School graduating in the class of 1958. In 1958, she attended her beloved Auburn University and was a member of the Phi Mu sorority.

She met her beloved husband, James (Jimmy) C. Newton, Jr in June 1957 on a blind date. They were married at Peachtree Road Methodist Church on April 8, 1961. After living in Ft. Knox, KY and Ft. Benning, GA, where Jimmy served as an officer in the Army, she returned to Auburn to get her undergraduate degree in Education in 1962. She taught at then Ed S. Cook Elementary in the Atlanta School System. Judy and Jimmy moved to Tucker in 1964 and became the proud parents of James C. Newton III (Mike) in 1965 and Robert C. Newton in 1967. Judy returned to teaching in 1976 and taught special education in the Dekalb County School System. She pursued and received her Masters in Special Education from Georgia State University in 1980. In the 1992-93 school year, Judy was named Teacher of The Year in DeKalb County. After retiring from teaching in 1998, she greatly loved spending time with her beautiful granddaughter Lauren E. Newton who now attends Auburn University.

Judy & Jimmy became members of Wieuca Road Baptist Church (now Church at Wieuca) in January 1963. Judy served on various committees and taught children Sunday School for several years. She enjoyed attending Bible Study, having lunch with many of her high school friends, and getting together with her Phi Mu sisters from Auburn. Judy also enjoyed traveling to various destinations with her family, friends, and the Auburn Alumni travel group.

Judy is survived by husband, Jimmy Newton; sons, James C. Newton III, Robert C. Newton; granddaughter, Lauren E. Newton; sister-in-law, Rose Nordyke; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was a beautiful lady, beloved wife and mother, and will be greatly missed.

She will be buried on August 23, 2025 at Jackson Georgia Cemetery in the James C. Newton family plot. A memorial service will be held at Church at Wieuca in the sanctuary at 11:00 on September 20, 2025 with visitation one hour before the service in the Narthex and followed by a reception in The Heritage Room. H. M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please donate in honor of sons James C. Newton III and Robert C. Newton: curecmd.org/donate-col6 Please select the Newton Memorial Fund in the dropdown menu. Or you may donate to Church at Wieuca, 3626 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.