Mary Anna Newman

Mary Anna Porter Newman passed away peacefully on March 31, 2024, at the age of 76, surrounded by love and family in Morehead City, NC. Mary Anna succumbed to her courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a loving family and dear friends.

A service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Unitarian Coastal Fellowship in Morehead City.

Born on November 26, 1947, in Wilmington, NC, Mary Anna grew up with a sense of kindness and an eagerness to help others. She graduated from New Hanover High School, and her pursuit of education led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Mary Anna continued her education later at University of Kentucky, receiving her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, further building the foundation for her lifelong commitment to social work and advocacy.

Mary Anna's professional life was a testament to her passion for service. She dedicated her career to assisting others, working as a social worker and holding various positions at non-profit organizations and social agencies, including the American Cancer Society, Meredith College, and Raleigh Vocational Center. Her leadership skills and compassionate nature culminated in her role as a regional Vice President for Easter Seals-UCP, from which she retired, leaving a profound impact on the community she served.

Mary Anna was an ardent reader and was a member of several book clubs. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family, including sailing in Maine and camping with friends and family. She also enjoyed a bourbon tasting vacation in Kentucky, travel to England, Italy, and various national parks out west. She loved her pets, including those who have crossed the rainbow bridge -- Penny, Scout, Winston – and her furry friend in recent years, Ruby. She appreciated art and music – frequently visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art, enjoying concerts like James Brown in South Carolina and the Temptations in Raleigh. She and Ed attended many performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center and Mary Anna continued to enjoy performances of musicals there in recent years.

Her commitment to social justice was steadfast. Mary Anna channeled her fiery political spirit as a precinct officer and volunteer for the Democratic Party. She was an engaged member of her church's Social Justice committee. Mary Anna was also a leader of the worship committee at Unitarian Coastal Fellowship, where she helped to foster a welcoming and inclusive spiritual environment.

Mary Anna's family and friends were a cornerstone of her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Edwin Wells Newman. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Cecelia Newman Joyce, son-in-law Keith Joyce, and her adored granddaughters, Anna and Elizabeth Joyce, who brought her immeasurable joy. Mary Anna's loving sister, Kay Porter Leager, her nephew Travis Leager, and niece Austin Leager Andrews, will continue to honor her memory. She was also blessed with many cherished friendships which enriched her life immensely. She loved hosting family and friends at her home for good food and conversation.

Mary Anna's life was one of profound influence and unwavering kindness. Her empathy and dedication to improving the lives of others will continue to resonate through the countless individuals she touched. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the indelible mark she left on the world. Her joyful spirit, characterized by love, generosity, warmth, a commitment to justice, as well as her astute and endearing wit, will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crystal Coast Hospice House, https://www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org/donate-now/ , the Humane Society of Eastern NC, https://www.hsecarolina.org/donate, or St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, https://bit.ly/43NvVsV

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net.

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.