Samuel George New

Samuel George Washington New was born on February 22, 1942 in Sylacauga, Alabama to the late James and Mable New.  He had three siblings, Elizabeth, James and Juanita, Samuel being the baby boy.  After a lengthy illness, Deacon New passed away at his home in Auburn Hills, MI on March 8, 2026, surrounded his loving family.  

Samuel accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age as his family life was centered around their Christian faith, family activities, education and work.  It was during those years that he learned the godly values by which he lived his entire life.

He loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren, traveling (especially road trips), family gatherings, going to the movies and plays, going out to eat, and any adventure that was a new discovery that promoted togetherness and family fun. Samuel especially loved to promote African American history and culture. 

Samuel attended Tennessee State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering.  He started his career with Consumer Power Company in Saginaw during 1964, where he worked as an electrical cost estimator and designer.   He gained employment at General Motors in 1969, and after 30 years of service as an electrical engineer, maintenance skilled trades manager, and capacity assurance manager, retired in 2000.

Samuel loved his work very much, but his passion was ministry.  He and his family attended Zion Baptist Church in Saginaw for many years.  They moved to Auburn Hills, MI in 1983, and joined Trinity Missionary Baptist in Pontiac, MI under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert E. Bailey.  Samuel and his wife Gwen were appointed Deacon and Deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Drew E. Marshall.  Deacon New also served as a Sunday School teacher, jail ministry instructor and volunteer, and in Trinity Men of Presence Ministry, serving at Jefferson Elementary in Pontiac Schools.  He also volunteered at Grace Centers of Hope, serving meals to the homeless. 

Deacon New was proceeded in death by both his parents, James and Mable New, all three siblings and two of their spouses:  Elizabeth (Gene) Baker, James New II, and Juanita Mae (Robert) Witherspoon; and Deacon and Deaconess New’s son, Samuel Kenneth New. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Gwendolyn; daughter, Shelia; granddaughters Sherica and Zariae; grandson Eric, sister-in-law Evelyn New, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close family friends. 

Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church 123 Wesson St. Pontiac, Michigan.  Family hour will begin at 10:00am and the service will promptly start at 11:00am.  Pastor Dr. John Tolbert, officiating.  Internment will follow immediately after the service at Perry Mount Park Cemetery, Pontiac, Michigan.