Wanda New Obituary
Wanda Taylor (Blackwell) New 63, of Durham passed away on December 29, 2025, at Duke Hock Family Pavilion. Mrs. New was born in Durham on August 19, 1962, to the late Bruce Coleman and Bonnie Davis Taylor.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. New is preceded in death by her husband David Wayne New; a half-sister, Becky A. Burgess and half-brother, William L. Burgess.
Mrs. New is survived by her daughter, Crystal Blackwell Roberts and husband Kevin of Bahama, NC; grandchildren, Chloe and Dalton Roberts; half-sister, Barbara B. Jeffries; nieces, Tammy J. Rowsey, Tina J. Wilkins (Randy), Wendy J. Batten (John) and Jennifer L. Jeffries; former husband, James L. Blackwell (Cathy); partner of 18 years, Neil Clifton; as well as many loving friends and relatives.
Mrs. New retired from Roses Department Store as the stockroom manager after more than 36 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed watching NASCAR races and Hallmark movies and was especially a fan of Jeff Gordon. She was an avid UNC fan and had a special love for unicorns, Michael Bolton music, and playing putt-putt.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Greg Long.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
211 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
People and places connected with Wanda
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Wanda New
Make a Donation
in Wanda New's name
How to support Wanda's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Wanda New's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
