Jerlean Newton, daughter of the late Bea and Minnie (Johnson) Kelley, was born on February 27, 1929 in Theodosia, Mo., the oldest of four children. She passed away, surrounded by family, at West Vue Nursing Home, on April 20, 2016 at the age of 87.
In 1946, Jerlean was united in marriage to Ed Chisam of Isabella, Mo. To this union, one child was born. On January 16, 1951 Jerlean was united in marriage to Dean Newton in Yellville, Ark. Three children were born of this union. Together, Jerlean and Dean resided in Dora, Mo., on their farm throughout their adult lives. Dean preceded her in death in 2002.
Jerlean most enjoyed spending time with her family and attending church on Sunday. She was also fond of hunting and fishing. Once she became unable to hunt and fish herself, she enjoyed sharing hunting and fishing stories, coffee, and home cooked meals with her family and friends. She was most pleased when she was cooking for those she loved. She was a member of Sweeten Pond Church.
Jerlean is survived by one brother Samuel Coy Kelley and wife Virginia of Dora.; four children, Juanita Smith and husband Mike of Gainesville, Mo., from her first marriage, Bob Newton and wife Brenda of Dora., Bud (Berle) Newton of Mountain Grove, Mo., and David Newton of Wichita, Kan.; six grandchildren, Angela Hall and Floyd, Brock Newton and Barb, Brooke Cotter and Brandon, Anya Moritz and Jerry, Andrew Newton, and Keisha Smith and fiance Jarrod Lawson; 11 great grandchildren, James and Ali, Stony, Kaitlin, Ethan, Haley, Tyler, Kelsey, Brady, AJ, Lucian, and Colin; one great great grandchild, Jax; and a host of nieces and nephews. Her husband, parents, one sister, Irene, and one brother, Troy, precede her in death.
Funeral services will be Monday April 25, 2016 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville, Mo.. Burial will be in the Hale Cemetery near Dora. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hale Cemetery and left at the funeral home.
