AREA OBITUARIES -- MARY GENE NEWTON

Mary Gene Newton, a resident of Hickman, died Dec. 18 at her residence. She was 83.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Dec. 22 at First Christian Church in Hickman, with Brother Steve Coulson officiating. Burial followed in Hickman City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Gene Newton, Donny Joe Newton, Billy Allen Newton, Jesse Dale Newton, Bobby Ray Newton, Lola Lynnay Newton Morgan, Austin Taylor Newton, Charles Springer Staggs, III and Christopher Joe Morgan. Visitation was held at First Christian Church from 3 p.m. Dec. 21 until the hour of services.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home, of Union City, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by one daughter, Lola Lynnay Newton Morgan (BJ), of Tiptonville, Tenn.; five sons, Michael Gene Newton (Linda), of Obion, Tenn., Donny Joe Newton, of Hickman, Billy Allen Newton (Chris), of Ripley, Tenn., Jesse Dale Newton (Martha) of Hickman, Bobby Ray Newton (Melissa), of Hickman; one bonus son, Phillip Davis, of Martin, Tenn.; 17 grandchildren, Charles Springer Staggs, III, Christopher Joe Morgan, Natalie Seals, Amanda Hopper, Thomas Ray Hopper, Jr., Kaysey Matthews, Amber Lauren Newton, Karah Lynnay Newton, Alexander Allen Newton, Kaylie Newton, Sidda Leigh Newton, Austin Newton, Michelle Newton, Emmalee Young, Amanda Newton, Kaylee Young and Rylee Jayne Newton; 16 great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Teresa Carr, of Hickman; and three nieces.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lynn and Lola (Mitchell) Wiley; her husband, Billy Joe Newton, who died Jan. 13, 2011; one daughter, Mary Genene Newton; one son, John Lynn Newton; two brothers, Omar Lynn Wiley and James Maurice Wiley; and a special friend, Tom Barker

Born Sept. 4 1937 in Hickman, she married her husband on Dec. 18, 1955.

She was the owner and operator of the former Mary Gene’s Flowers & Gifts in Hickman and was a member of First Christian Church in Hickman.

She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren and loved them all unconditionally.