Laura Katherine Newell

Laura Katherine Waren Newell, much beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully Monday, March 30, at her home in Brandon. No obituary could ever capture the remarkable person or the life Katherine lived in and amongst her family and friends. She was born on Dec. 28, 1953, to Helen and Malcolm Waren. She grew up in West Jackson with her sister, Eleanor, and brother, Mike, and graduated from Provine High School. She graduated from Ole Miss and soon found the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Newell.

Katherine and Bob raised three boys – Corbitt and twins, Baker and Barrett. Katherine was a fabulous elementary school teacher who had a passion for forming young lives into smart and more importantly kind individuals. She was driven by her strong Christian faith and trusted in the Lord, and she instilled that faith in her family and students.

She leaned on that faith heavily as she walked through life experiencing the loss of her sister and brother, her parents, and her dearest Bob.

Katherine and Bob made every gathering fun and memorable. They loved to travel together, with family and with friends. New York, New Orleans, and Jackson Hole were frequent destinations. Elton John and Tina Turner concerts among others were common occurrences in their lives. Katherine totaled 19 Elton concerts including seeing his farewell tour twice.

Katherine was active in her church, coordinating the religious education program at St. Peter Cathedral in Jackson for many years and, more recently, in her small faith group at St. Paul Parish in Flowood. She loved to read the Psalms and loved sharing her faith in a confident and caring way. She also loved sharing a good bourbon with friends at local eateries and made an annual gastronomic pilgrimage to New Orleans for her birthday.

Elegant, smart, beautiful, and sharp all describe Katherine, but it is the beauty and kindness that radiated from within her that truly define her and made her the vibrant person we all loved. In turn, she loved us unconditionally and was a fierce friend to us – one that would be there in times of joy and sorrow to celebrate and to console. There is a tear in the fabric of our collective universe, and our lives are forever changed by her death. We move forward in the faith she loved so dearly knowing that she is at peace and with her beloved Bob once again.

Katherine leaves behind her three sons, Corbitt, Baker (Ashleigh), and Barrett (Sandy); three granddaughters, Ashlin, Emma, and Rosie Newell; a large extended family, and a myriad of friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood. A private Inurnment Service will be held at St. Richard Church Columbarium.