Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Junie Mae (Irby) Newell, 93, Sandusky, departed this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, in Providence Care Center, after a long illness.
Mother Newell was born on September 15, 1918 in Meridian, MS to the late Sam and Floretta (Walk) Irby, the third of eleven children.
As a young woman she ran her family's store until moving to Sandusky in 1950. She married Leonard Newell on July 11, 1951.
She was employed by Philco, Vacationland Nursing Home, and the Ohio Veterans Home, from where she retired in 1983.
Mother Newell was a devoted Christian, giving her life to God in 1969. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Temple Church, where she was a member of the Usher Board, Pastor's Choir, Missionary Board, and the Mother's Board.
She loved her family, the church, cooking, and traveling. She was best known for her pineapple coconut cakes. Despite not being able to drive, she saw both coasts and traveled throughout the country.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted son, Lonnie (Rene) Newell, Sandusky: daughter, Beverly (Charles) Hancock, Sandusky; brothers, Chris Irby, Chester Irby, and Nathan Irby, all of Meridian, MS; grandsons, Damon Newell, Samuel Newell, and Preston Newell; 10 great-grandchildren; special niece, Flora Irby; special cousin, Dorothy Gowdy; her Emmanuel Temple Church family; and a host of other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Leonard Newell; son, Sam Henry Newell; sisters and brothers, Renee Irby, Creasie Reed, Verdie Mae Uhlman; Cemiah Irby, A.J. Irby, and two in infancy.
Friends may call on Sunday, February 19, 2012, from 6-8 P.M. in Emmanuel Temple Church, 128 E. Adams St., Sandusky. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday at the church. Bishop Rufus Sanders will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
