Funeral services for John M. Newell, of Brookhaven, are 11a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, withburial in the church cemetery. Brookhaven Funeral Home is in chargeof arrangements.

 

    Visitation is Wednesday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home onNatchez Drive and Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the church.

    Mr. Newell, 79, died Dec. 27, 2011, at his home. He was born inMississippi on Jan. 19, 1932, to Clarence and Maude BrittNewell.

    John was employed in the apparels industry and worked for about 45years before retiring from Kellwood Company. John was married toJeanette Laird Newell for 61 years. They had two sons. He was afaithful Christian husband and dad.

    John was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he servedas deacon for 29 years and also as church trustee. He was a memberof the Billy Smith Sunday School Class for many years and wascurrently in the Tom Goetz Class. He was also a member of thebrotherhood.

    Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Loretta Allen andher husband, Emmitt Allen; sister, Yvonne Sisco; sister-in-law,Bennie Newell; and brother-in-law, Howard Smith.

    Survivors are his wife of 61 years; sons, John Barry Newell, ofBrookhaven, and David Victor Newell, of Oxford; brother, MeredithNewell and wife, Marie; sister, Maudell Smith; brother-in-law,Walter Sisco; and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces andnephews.

    Pallbearers are Deacons of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Honorarypallbearers are friends and relatives.

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made toPleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund or Hospice CompassesMinistries.