1937-2024
Barbara E. Clark Newman, 87 of Star City was born in Grethal, KY but spent her adult life in Arkansas after meeting her late husband Leonard Leon Newman. Together they had three children: Carolyn Jo Bennett (John), Jimmy Leon Newman (late), and Paula Rodgers (Joe). She traveled back to Kentucky every year to spend time with her beloved friends and family. She spent her days working at Bird’s Shirt Factory in Star City and eventually retired from Levis Strause in 1983 and temporarily went back to Kentucky to care for her mother.
Her life changed in 1949 while in a class at school in Kentucky. That day she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and she spent the rest of her time on earth advocating and praying that others would do the same. Barbara was a faithful servant to her church Southside Missionary Baptist Church and lived her life pouring herself into those around her. She was a caregiver, an amazing cook, an avid hugger, and a spiritual counselor. Her love knew no bounds as she would not only help anyone in need, but most importantly she would pray diligently for them knowing for all the things she could not give them, God could. Her unwavering faith touched the lives of those blessed enough to know her. She had a personality and smile that would light up the room, a trait that was gifted to her daughters.
She was dearly loved by her grandchildren Desha Brown (Justin), JJ Rodgers (Carissa), Josh Rodgers (Courtney), Melissa Jo Bemrich (Kevin), Dusty Bennett (Racheal), and the late Jill Newman. She was an adored Great Grandmother, known as Great Gran to Lauren Brown, Avery Brown, Brody Rodgers, Alden Rodgers, Christy Jo Rodgers, Josie Rodgers, Jedson Roders, Tre Bemrich, John Micheal Bennett, Samantha Bennett, as well as her bonus great grands Eve Stricklin and Gabriel Stricklin and had another baby Bemrich on the way. She was the sister to the late John Clark, Lee Carl Clark, Reevis Clark, Russell Clark, Kenneth Clark, and Beatrice McKenzie. Palmer Clark is her last living sibling.
Although she will be greatly missed, there is no doubt Barbara is now home with her Lord and her loved ones. Her time on this earth was well spent and has left a mark on the hearts of those who loved her and were loved by her. She was a beautiful example of a good and faithful servant. Luke 11:9-10 “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock at the door and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Barbara will be carried to her final resting place by her beloved grandsons JJ Rodgers, Josh Rodgers, Kevin Bemrich, Justin Brown, Dusty Bennett, and Blaine Newman. Honorary pallbearers from her church family are Kevin White, Brett Stephens, and Larry McGriff.
Visitation will be held at Southside Baptist Church on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 5-7 pm. The funeral will be held at Southside Baptist Church on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 10:00 am. Service speakers will be Brother Allen Hagood, Brother Jarrod Pettit, and Brother Bruce Huddleston. Burial will be at Newman Cemetery. The family will meet at the home of John and Caroyln Jo Bennett on Sunday and Monday. Donations can be made to Operation Christmas Child and the Giddeon Bible foundation through South Side Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 545, Star City, AR 71667.
