Kathleen Rene Newell's Obituary
The Life and Legacy of Kathleen Rene Newell
On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Kathleen Rene Newell departed peacefully to be with the Lord at the age of 62 at her Marietta home with her family by her side holding her hand. She was a living miracle, working every day since 2008 to defeat breast cancer - a disease that never shattered her hope, dissolved her faith, nor destroyed her peace. Kathleen walked with the Lord during her journey and gave all glory to God.
Kathleen was born in Marietta, GA to Emma Grace Johnson and the late James Monroe Johnson on the beautiful early morning of Monday, May 23, 1960. When asked to self-reflect about the kind of child she was, Kathleen said, “I was a good child. I was active and tomboy-ish growing up with all of them brothers!” During her adolescence, Kathleen had dreams to build a life for herself, and worked eagerly to reach her goals and fulfill her destiny. She spoke fondly about her work helping around the house to clean, cook, and babysit her younger siblings, which earned her an allowance of “a quarter or two” as she recalled.
Keeping with her spirit of helping, she began working at Kennesaw Elementary School at the age of 16 to clean classrooms with her cousin, Cindy. Following high school graduation from North Cobb High School in 1978, Kathleen embarked on her life’s next chapter, enlisting in the United States Army, where she went on to serve 12 years of active duty. Upon her honorable discharge as Sergeant Kathleen Rene Newell, she was awarded many U.S. Army service medals, badges, and ribbons as commendation for her work, professional development, conduct, and overseas service. Indicative of her strong work ethic and determination to excel, she received excellent performance evaluations and awards as she later began her work as a civilian for the U.S Federal Government in Logistics. She was loved for her kind heart, humor, and invaluable contributions to the success of every operation she worked for. Kathleen retired in 2016 with more than 32 years of service to our country.
While enlisted in the Army, Kathleen met her late husband and fellow newly enlisted soldier, Irving Newell Jr. from Brighton, AL. As two young adults leaving home to make something of their lives, they joined together in marriage to build a beautiful life together. They married in 1980 and spent 39 years together.
All who knew her, knew how much she promoted peace and positivity, often spending much of her time in meditation and prayer. She had a green thumb and enjoyed caring for her many house plants. When she wasn’t catching the premiere of a Lifetime movie, you could find her rooting and cheering at the TV during an Alabama, Georgia, or Falcons’ football game. She loved her family and animals and took every chance to uplift and help others. Kathleen led a joyful and nurturing life, and she appreciated all the good times she had, including spending time with family, traveling, and “Cha-Chinging” at the casino playing her Lucky 7’s or Will of Fortune.
When reflecting on life’s most important lessons, Kathleen expressed, “Learn to live more, love more, and be happy. Get out and do things. Stop a lot of the procrastination. Just try to forgive and you know it’s hard to forget but love one another and forgive like God did for us, all the time.”
Kathleen was the loving daughter of Emma Grace Johnson and the late James Monroe Johnson. She was the cherished widow to the late Irving Newell Jr. She was the loving mother of Latisha Thompson, Amber Delille, and son-in-law’s, Clarence Thompson, and Sammy Delille. She was the adored Mimi to CJ Thompson and Christian Thompson and the sister of the late James Lowe, Steve Johnson, Timothy Johnson, John Johnson, and Karen Johnson. Kathleen was also a loving aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Our pets give unconditional love and enrich our lives, and Kathleen loved her pets, Tyger, Zoey, and Masey with all her heart.
Kathleen’s fighting positive spirit and God is what got her through, and we pray her life, words, wisdom, and essence touch and encourage you, as she has done for us.
Kathleen would urge each of us to face all your battles with God by your side. As she has expressed, “Write in your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, we ask you to make a donation to the African American Breast Cancer Alliance at https://aabcainc.org/ in Kathleen Newell’s name.
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