Ms. Elizabeth Newton

Elizabeth Newton, known affectionately as Armelda, Melda, and Auntie Melda, peacefully left this mortal realm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 89 in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by love and comfort.
Her life's journey began on February 19, 1935, in the serene Bryan Castle District of St. Ann, Jamaica, as the second child among seven siblings born to the loving care of Arthur Menzie and Ellen Eliza Newton. She was tenderly reunited in the afterlife with her parents and brothers, Jonathan, Willie, Copeland and Elon; and her beloved sons, Uriah and Ruel (Cheddie).
Elizabeth's early years were marked by a gentle demeanor and an unyielding spirit, as she fearlessly defended her siblings against adversity, setting the stage for a life filled with acts of compassion and courage. She received her education at Gibraltar Elementary School, now All-Age School, where her diligence and kindness shone brightly.
A gifted artisan, Elizabeth's skills as a self-taught dressmaker, and her dedication to agriculture endeared her to her community, where many sought her expertise in cultivating crops, livestock and fashion. Her faith was her guiding light, as exemplified by her unwavering devotion to the Caledonia Holiness Christian Church for over 56 years, where she ardently served in various capacities (President, Teacher, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Trustee member) with grace and humility.
In reverence to the poignant words of Psalm 90:10 and 12 that guided her path, Elizabeth dedicated herself to a life of wisdom and service, nurturing and tending to her loved ones with love and dedication. She shared timeless melodies such as "There's a Home for Little Children," "Rock of Ages," and "What Shall I Render to Jehovah," infusing joy and heart into the lives she touched.
Elizabeth's loving legacy lives on through seven of her nine cherished children, Pauline (Dev), Nigel (Sugar), Carlton (Courtney), Lenworth (Doyd), Rhoan (Dwight), Verelyn (Precious), and Jasmin (Melody). She embraced her extended family with open arms, welcoming sons-in-law, Frederick (Fred) Pridgen and Alton (Jimmy) Francis; daughters-in-law, Gertrude (Dollie) Forbes-Maragh, Keisha Maragh, and Camille Maragh; and a host of adoring grandchildren, Oswaki, Alvin, Khadine, Shaine, Fabian, Randel, Julia, Carl, Miguel, Zidan, Flowers, Ackeem, Genesis, Arlando, Amoy, Camoy, Aldane, Jaqua (Kimarly), Jardane (Jami), Rohane (Jevel), Alton(Jevaughn), Andre, Gregory, Shantony (Kiki), Claudia (Karen) and Kerri-Ann; great-grandchildren, Njemile, Andrae, Najya, Jahmarlie, Akilah, Ayanna, Kayin, Azoria, Joshua, Khareem, Jordannae, Ackeera, Don-Dre, Brianna, Aaron, Kendreka, Madison-Page, Alihana, David, Aquila, Azari, Maleah, Nnenna, Micah, Anthony and Jazmine who basked in her unending love and guidance.
In 2010, Elizabeth's journey led her to Baltimore, Maryland, where she found solace in the embrace of the Baltimore Central Church of God, nurturing her spirit until her health declined, accompanied by the unwavering support of her daughter Precious, son-in-law Frederick, sons Carlton and Nigel, granddaughter Khadine, and Nurse's Aide Winsome.
As the final sunset of December 31, 2024, descended upon Elizabeth's earthly story, she transitioned to her eternal home, the imprint of her infinite love and devotion forever etched in the hearts of those who were touched by her grace. Though sadness lingers, the promise of a joyful reunion in the eternal light of hope sustains all who mourn her passing.
Survived by her sisters, Maude and Merlina; brothers, Headley and Alvin; seven children, twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, two sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of cherished friends, Elizabeth's life is celebrated as a radiant tapestry of love, compassion, and unwavering strength. As we bid a temporary farewell, we hold fast to the belief that we shall be united once more in the timeless symphony of eternal love and joy.