Service Announcements

Mrs. Cecelia Tutt  Newkirk 88 of Charlotte,NC. passed away April 26,2016 at Her Home.

Cecelia Tutt Newkirk, born December 29, 1927 entered her heavenly estate on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the age of eighty-eight.

Mrs. Newkirk was the oldest of five daughters of Rev. Arthur and Mamie Tutt. She graduated from Johnson C. Smith University at the age of 19 and went on to earn her Master’s Degree from North Carolina Central University.

As an educator, her hallmark was to incorporate timeless wisdom from her life experiences into her career. She began her teaching career in Georgia and retired after more than 35 years as a Language Arts teacher from the North Carolina school system, with 25 of those years spent in Union County Public Schools.

In addition to teaching school, she also taught private piano lessons and excelled as a gifted milliner, known for designing hats and accessories for every occasion. She faithfully served as pianist, until recent years, at New Emmanuel United Church of Christ. In later years she wrote the book “PATCHES: Poetic Wisdom, Humor, and Reflections”, consisting of an assortment of ideas and deeds inspired by her parents.

She was married to her best friend, Jerome Ward Newkirk, on December 26, 1950 in Maiden, NC, and they raised five children together. She was preceded in death by her husband and one daughter, Cecile Renee Newkirk, and her parents.

She leaves to cherish her children Etta Newkirk Holmes (Wesley), Ward David Newkirk, Jerri Newkirk Barber (Billy), and Jo Lynn Newkirk; and her grandchildren Michael Newkirk (Sonia), Jonathan Barber, Thomas Newkirk, Lynnette Brown, Ashley Brown, Christopher Brown, Greg Craig, Maxine Cooper (Wesley), Jeffrey Barber (Annette), Noel Barber, and ten greatgrandchildren.

She also leaves to cherish her sisters Dr. Celestine Bennett of Oakland, CA, Carolyn Shakur of Boston, MA, Constance Tutt of Charlotte, NC, and nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mrs. Newkirk lived a quiet reflective life and died the same. A private memorial service will be held in her honor May 15, 2016.