Theda Newberry

Theda L. Newberry, 93 of Paragould, and most recently Springdale passed from this life to eternal life on Tuesday August 29, 2023. Theda was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, on August 19, 1930, to the late E.E. (Ellis) Call and Dottie (Goodart) Call. Theda is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lelan L. Newberry of Paragould (Springdale); three daughters, Marla L. (Newberry) Kreider, Lisa A. Newberry, and Leanna (Newberry) Rose; and one son, Larry Newberry. She has 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Theda worked for SW Bell & Lelan Missouri Pacific Railroad residing in Gurdon, Arkansas, for the first few years of their marriage. They then moved to Paragould to join Lelan’s family, the late Gee Newberry and Chattie Mae (Newsom) Newberry, in the Dairy business until 1971. They farmed crops and raised cattle after that.

Theda assisted with the operations of Hancock Fabrics in Paragould which was owned by her sister-in-law, June Ann (Newberry) Bean. She had a love and talent for sewing and made most of her three daughters’ clothes as they were growing up. Theda then supported the arrival of grandchildren with special clothing and quilts. She later took up rope basket making and did that until her death.

Theda was a member at First United Methodist Church in Paragould since the mid 1950s. She taught Children’s Sunday School and was active in the women’s circle. In the Green High Community, she was a leader in the 4-H club for many years even after her kids ceased to participate. One of her favorite community activities for approximately 11 years was serving on and chairing the Greene County Tech FFA Alumni Scholarship Committee.

She took great joy in working with young people in the community that were eager to earn college degrees in Agricultural related fields of study.

Services for Theda will be held at Heath Funeral Home, 321 W. Garland, Paragould AR 72450, Tuesday September 5th, 2023, starting with visitation from 12-2 pm immediately followed by memorial service with Rev. Dane Womack, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church, officiating. Private burial at Linwood Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requests you send memorials to one of the following:

The FUMC children’s ministry https: //www.FUMC-paragould.churchcenter.com- Theda L. Newberry Memorial

GCT FFA Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund by the Arkansas Community Foundation: https://www.arcf.org/ffaalumni or by mailing a check to FFA Alumni, 5 Allred Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock AR 72202.

Circle of Life Earlene Howard Hospice Home, 901 Jones Road Springdale AR 72762.

https://www.nwacircleoflife.com