Tuesday, May 9, 2017

May Bennett

(From Parker Mortuary)

Maybelle R. Newby-Bennett, age 92, has accepted an invitation to serve in Heaven. We expect to find May there in our own time preparing the way within a loving community that has, no doubt, already gathered around Donald O. Newby. Her gracious loving spirit will dwell in our hearts for all of our days.

May came to this world December 15, 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Benjamin A. and Lena M. Reid. She departed from Ozarks Riverview Manor on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. May's husband Don Newby and second husband Don Bennett, her parents and her brother Jack Miller Reid preceded her in death.

May earned her Bachelor's degree at Oberlin College and her Master's in Christian Education at the University of Chicago. Years later she would return to school to complete her Doctoral degree in Education at Tulsa University specializing in early childhood development and reading.

In 1948, May was married to Donald O. Newby, son of Lottie and Bill Newby of Joplin, Mo. Together May and Don raised five children. They lived a fulfilling life in service to others in various parts of the United States including Tulsa, Atlanta, Springfield and Joplin as well as serving ministries in Africa and Europe.

May taught students from kindergarten through post graduate at a variety of schools and colleges. She also served as the Director of the University of Tulsa Reading Clinic and as Director of Education for Drury University.

May worked as Parish Visitor for Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield for many years. She lived as an active member in the community of faith-serving, mentoring and ministering.

May loved exploring the world through travel and reading. In later years Rocky, the family puppy and May's favorite protector, could be found in her recliner sitting next to her while she read.

May is survived by five children and their spouses: Donna Jean Newby-Bennett and Gary Bennett of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ellen Carol Newby-Hines and Jim Hines of Springfield, Missouri; Daniel Andrew Newby and Lucy Núñez of Barcelona, Spain; Timothy William Newby and Linda Newby of Dallas, Texas; and Peter Milton Newby and Mary Gebhart of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as 28 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Don Newby passed away in 1992. May continued her faithful service on her own until she met and married Donald Bennett in 2000. They were married for 11 years. From her second marriage, May is survived by five step children; Paul Bennett, Mike and Becky Hollis, Donna Allen, John and LaVonne Bennett and Kurt Bennett and numerous step grandchildren.

A celebration of May Newby Bennett's life will be held Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri with reception following. Graveside services will be held Friday, May 19, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri. All who knew her are invited to be with us. Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (TMM) Don Newby/Ben Hill Recognition Fund, Doctors Without Borders or any veteran organization of your choice. Check contributions to these charities can be mailed to Parker Mortuary. If you prefer to contribute online, please do so on the respective organization's website.

In gratitude,

Thanks Mom, Donna, Ellen, Dan, Tim and Peter

"Today is the day the Lord hath made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it"

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