*UPDATED OBITUARY
Jonathan Leo Newton, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on 02/25/2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Lee Newton and Edna Louvinia Williams, his sister, Amy Laverne Newton Pigg, his stepson, Michael and Irvin Babcock, and grandson, Jason McClary.
He is survived by his cherished family--all of whom will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his loving wife, Carolyn Taylor Newton, of 38 years for whom he cared deeply, his son, Jonathan Newton II of Dublin, Ireland, a daughter, Carla Amedee (Brett) of Locust Grove, GA., a stepson, Stephen A. Babcock (Teresa) of Wilson, NC., a stepdaughter, Robin “Denise” Babcock of Tarboro, NC., both of whom he loved as his own; seven grandchildren: Jenny Lorent (Jason) of Grifton, NC., Jeffrey Ritter (Katrina) of West Lebanon, PA., Christopher Marker of Tarboro, NC., who also held a special place in his heart, Tyler Amedee (Hannah) of Kailua, HI., Seth Amedee of Santa Clara, CA,, Walker Amedee of Locust Grove, GA., and Abby Babcock of Wilson, NC.. as well as three siblings: Nancy Mills (Tommy) of Tarboro, NC., Robert Newton (Brenda) of Tarboro, NC., and April Turner (Calvin) of Whitakers, NC., and eight great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
John was a graduate of Tarboro High School, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and attended Edgecombe Technical College where he obtained several training certificates. He began his working career as a paralegal--initially with firms and later independently. He then opened a real estate brokerage where he and Carolyn worked together. He ultimately found his true calling and his 2nd home as an independent researcher where he spent most of his working hours at the Register of Deeds. Those at the Register of Deeds would know his passion for the history of property in the old deed books and willingness to help those who needed his knowledge of land registries.
John also loved his church and his church family. He served as president of the Layman’s League and trustee at church, as well as president and secretary of the central congress for the Layman’s League during various periods. He was a constant presence at the church, which included him helping with the construction of the church and parsonage, cleaning the church, supporting vacation bible school, attending Wednesday and Sunday services, organizing food events, and participating in the choir for over 38 years. He enjoyed the fellowship in which the church offered and gave his time willingly. The halls of the church will not feel the same without him.
John loved his family, his church, his friends, and his colleagues. He left an impression on those he met and brought smiles to many. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Viewing and visitation will be held at First Free Will Baptist Church, 3150 Western Blvd., Tarboro, NC 27886 at 12:30pm on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Funeral service will be immediately after at 2:00pm at the church. A military graveside will follow at 3:00pm in the church cemetery.
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