Individual Details

Death

Onnye Elyce Newton was born on June 17, 1934, the youngest of 13 children to the late John and Lucy (Waldrip) Priddy of Locust Bayou, AR. Onnye loved the Lord with all her heart and was a dedicated Hampton Church of Christ member. She served the Lord by helping others in need and always sought ways to serve others. Onnye graduated as Valedictorian from Locust Bayou School in 1952. During her time there, she was an avid basketball player for the Locust Bayou Yellowjackets. She maintained her love for basketball and always tried to catch the Arkansas Razorback games on TV. Several years ago, she had the opportunity to attend a game at Razorback Stadium, an experience she cherished and would never forget. Onnye attended Drone Business School, where she took great pride in her short-hand skills and used them throughout her professional life. Anyone who knew Onnye was aware of her passion for flowers. She loved spending her free time tending to her yard, planting new flowers, and sharing seeds and cuttings with others. She served as Secretary for the Hampton Garden Club for many years and delighted in sharing her love of gardening with the other members. Even during her lengthy battle with cancer, she would return home from chemotherapy treatments and head straight to her flower beds, where she found peace. Onnye also enjoyed traveling and embraced every adventure that came her way. She married James Vernon Newton of Harrell, Arkansas, on August 14, 1953, proudly becoming the wife of a U.S. Navy Sailor. Together, they raised six cherished children. Onnye was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James Vernon Newton; parents, John and Lucy Priddy; three sons, James Carroll Newton, Danny Dwayne Newton and Robert C. Newton; and her 12 beloved siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Furr (Dallas), daughter-in-law, Pam Newton, son, Ricky Newton (Angela), daughter, Lisa Newton, daughter, Kristi Branch (Jim Bob), and a special friend, Henrietta Moore, who became family during her illness and offered care to Onnye and her family. Onnye and James left behind a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were her greatest joys: David and Lindsey Furr Bethea (Rhett, Audry) Dallas Winston and Briane Furr (Jack, Avery, Sadie) Amanda Furr, Matt Caira Newton Williams (Heidi and Matison); William Ben Newton and Andrea Hammett (Will, Maddax, Justin); Andrea and Dianne Newton, Daniel and Amber Newton Foster (John, Nate); Ricky Belin and Ashlyn Kaufman (Elliott); Brent and Shayna Newton (Graysen, Kannen, Axen, Casten); Paul and Ashley Newton Davis (Danilee and Kaylee); Grant and Jenni Newton Nutt (Swaide); Taylor and Paige Webb Sweetin (Duke); Payne and Taylor Webb; and Gunner Branch and Gabriella Tidwell. She also had a host of grandkids who adopted her as their Mimi; she had a special way of making all the kids want her to be their Mimi. Additionally, she treasured a large number of nieces and nephews. Onnye ‘s giant heart, ability to find joy in the most challenging times, determination, strength, and unwavering commitment to Christ will never be forgotten. However, she will be cherished in the hearts of all whose lives she touched. Onnye’s celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Hampton Church of Christ, across from the courthouse. Visitation will be 11:00AM -1:00PM with the service following immediately at 1:00PM. Burial will follow in Campground Cemetery, Hampton, AR.