Madie Newman

Madie Newman entered her heavenly home on January 14, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on March 31, 1927, in Tuscola, Texas, to Elmo and Ruby Jones. Madie grew up in Tuscola, where she attended elementary through high school, before graduating from McMurry University in 1949.

While in college, Madie met the love of her life, Robert Newman. They were married in 1949 and shared many wonderful years together, raising two children, Kaye and Bill. Madie's life was marked by deep love for her family, faith, and a genuine gift for friendship. She touched countless lives in Abilene with her kindness, warmth, and welcoming spirit.

Madie devoted many years to a career in the Abilene Independent School District, serving in administrative roles at Abilene High School, Lincoln Junior High, and Abilene Cooper High School, where she worked for 17 years. She took great pride in her work and the students she supported. In recognition of her dedication, the Cooper annual was dedicated to her in 1990, and she was inducted into the Cooper Ring of Honor in 2011. A loyal Cougar supporter, Madie followed all Cooper High School sports, especially baseball and football.

Outside of work, Madie was talented and industrious. She was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed knitting with friends, and took pride in mowing her own grass until her mid 90's. She was also a devoted Texas Rangers fan. Above all else, Madie's greatest joy was time spent with her family, particularly her beloved great-grandchildren.

Madie was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul Methodist Church and the Propheteers Sunday School Class, where she found friendship, fellowship, and spiritual support.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Newman; her siblings, Mary Allyn, Claire Watson, and Mac Jones. She is survived by her son, Bill Newman of Abilene; her daughter, Kaye Newman Smith and husband Clay Smith of Dallas; grandchildren Brian Smith of Denver, Colorado, and Emily Smith Pitts and husband Bill Pitts of Dallas; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Avery, Hayes, and Hallie Pitts.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and therapists at Wesley Court and the Visiting Angels, especially Donna Abels, for their compassionate care and comfort in recent years.

Funeral services will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, tributes in Madie's memory may be made to Visiting Angels, Abilene Education Foundation - Heritage Square, or Ben Richey Boys Ranch.