Rebecca Jean (Hall) Newby

Age 94, of Jackson entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord on February 22, 2021.  Rebecca Jean Hall was born July 30, 1926 in Indianapolis to Rev. E.W. and Devona Ione Hall. After high school graduation she attended Marion College in Indiana. In 1949 she married the love of her life Dr. John Newby and the two of them enjoyed 60 years of loving marriage. She dedicated herself to being her husband’s faithful partner in ministry, serving two churches in California before accepting a call to be missionaries in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, Africa.  Upon returning to America from Africa, Becky served in executive secretarial roles, first at Owosso College and then at Spring Arbor College. In 1979 her husband was called to be the president of Central Wesleyan College and Becky again worked as a secretary and enjoyed being a gifted hostess as she and John entertained hundreds of guests in the president’s home.  Upon retirement the couple moved back to Michigan and settled in Jackson to be near family.  She was a faithful participant in the life and ministry of Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church for many years. 

She is survived by a daughter Becky (Steve) Holton of Spring Arbor, MI, son John (Mary) Newby Jr. of Germantown, TN, and son-in-law, John White of Ypsilanti, MI, along with sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. John M Newby, Sr.; daughters Sharon Page and Karen White; great-grandson, David Joseph Page III; and son-in-law, David Page.

A celebration of Becky’s life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 11:00 AM at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church in Spring Arbor, Michigan with Rev. John White and Pastor Darold L. Hill officiating. In keeping with Covid-19 protocols, face coverings will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Wesleyan College (Southern Wesleyan University). Checks written to SWU. Memo Line: John and Rebecca Newby Presidential Scholarship.  Send to Office of the President, Southern Wesleyan University, 907 Wesleyan Drive, Central, SC 29630-1020 or to http://www.swu.edu/giving/give-online.

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

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