Barbara Newman

Barbara Nan Dukes Newman, 84, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2020 at St. Catherine’s Village. Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Brandon is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara grew up in the family of a Baptist preacher and consequently lived in several counties in Mississippi, but considered Mendenhall to be her hometown.

She was married to the late John W. “Johnny” Newman for 61 years prior to his passing in 2016. Barbara and Johnny made their home in Wesson, MS until 1975, when they moved to the Reservoir area. They later moved to Brandon for several years. Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church of Brandon.

Barbara had a long career in banking, having retired from Deposit Guaranty as a Senior Vice President in 1998.

In her personal life, she was a master quilter, having received numerous awards. One of her quilts is in the permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah Kentucky.

Barbara was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She was also a wonderful Grandmama to her 3 grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Debbie Saxon (Mark) and Lisa Welborn (John), grandsons John Saxon (Katie), Matthew Butler, Brian Butler, great grandchildren George Saxon and Ivy Saxon, brother Jimmy Dukes, sister Johnnie Ruth Grantham, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Johnny, her parents, George and Ruth Dukes, and several brothers and sisters.

A private graveside service will be held at Mendenhall Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The Mind Center at UMMC, in care of Office of Development, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505, or to a charity of your choice.