Jo Beth Drysdale Newton, age 69, passed away on September 4, 2022. She was a resident of Homewood , Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father, James D. Drysdale, her mother, Frances W. Drysdale, and sister-in-law, Ann C. Drysdale. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Newton; her son and daughter-in-law, Bert and JoAnna Newton; her son and daughter-in-law, Ross and Allison Newton; her brother and his wife, James and Liz Drysdale; her uncle, L.T. Ward; her grandchildren, Reese, Owen, and Hank Newton; Thomas, William, and Patrick Newton; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Jodi found great joy in family and friends. She loved visits to the lake and she loved reading and board games. Her kind and loyal spirit, along with her deep faith, were with her all of her days. She also loved her work. She taught in the Educational Leadership department at Samford University, and previously served as the Associate Dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education, Director of Doctoral Programs and Interim Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership. Prior to going to Samford, she served as the Superintendent of Homewood City Schools for more than 10 years, and as an Assistant Superintendent for both Homewood City Schools and Fairfield City Schools. She also cherished her involvement with the Hope Institute, promoting building character into education. She was a long-term member at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood and served in several leadership roles within the church. Her imprint and legacy in the community of Homewood will be long remembered.
Jodi grew up in Bessemer, Alabama and spent most of her life in Homewood. She graduated from Samford University with a BA degree, and then later a MA degree and a doctorate degree from the University of Alabama. Her first work was as an English teacher at Bessemer Academy and later at Fairfield High School.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service following at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, followed by the 2:30 p.m. Graveside Service at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Shelby County, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bob and Jodi Newton Endowment for Character Education, established at Samford University in the Orlean Beeson School of Education.
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