Carolyn A. Newcom, resident of Mesa, AZ, graduated to her eternal home in Heaven, May 9, 2023, after a brief illness. Carolyn Ann was born, May 26, 1939, to Walter Ruby and Edna Kathryn (Martin) Jackson in Onton, Kentucky. She was the oldest of three sisters, Kathryn Clark (widow of William Clark) and Mary E. Denton (married to Donald L. Denton). Mom could drive a tractor, hoe the fields, and work the farm right alongside Granddaddy.
Carolyn met the love of her life in Crittenden County High School, Marion, KY. David L. Newcom had a vision and goal for his life’s vocation – design tractors for John Deere. She purposed in her heart to come alongside him, to aid, support and join him in a matrimonial journey that would last fifty-nine years. Homemaking was a serious career to her, but always a labor of love. Each workday evening, she greeted Dad with a kiss and a hot homecooked meal. Her home was always orderly, clean, comfortable and most of all welcoming.
Christmas was her favorite holiday. Plans began in January for tree decoration themes: crochet snowflakes and angels, or embroidered nativity ornaments, even new Christmas stockings. Homemade frosted cookies, mounds of mashed potatoes, tender juicy ham and her famous pecan pies were in abundance for each holiday meal. The neighbors all looked forward to their personally delivered Christmas candy treats and jam bread.
But culinary feats weren’t her only expertise. Carolyn and David made a great “home improvement team.” David used his engineering skills to plan out patio decks, remodel bathrooms and a variety of projects for the family. Carolyn was his right-hand sidekick. She always laughed and said demolition was her favorite part: “Just hand me a sledgehammer.”
Mom’s influence extended outside the home too. Faith in Jesus Christ fueled her mission to work in churches across Illinois, Iowa, and Arizona. Children’s ministry was her passion and focus. With Scripture as her standard, she guided active young minds to discover its timeless truth. She worked in several churches as the Director of the Children’s Sunday School Program and assisted associational churches with seminars and workshops even at a state level. Carolyn was not interested in recognition or a title. As a mentor, Mom’s goal was to “pass the baton” to newly trained teachers. While looking to the Lord for guidance in all matters, she encouraged each one to maximize their unique talents.
Mom’s hands were always busy. When she was not performing the necessary homemaking skills, she was creating heirlooms. She excelled as a seamstress, but crochet was her main art and delight. Colored yarn, designs and patterns were pondered daily. She always had a project and a person in mind for a gift.
Everyone under Mother’s roof felt valued, loved, and respected. Truly, she was gifted by Heaven with the heart of a servant. Carolyn gave of her time and service sacrificially. Her seemingly small acts of kindness will long be remembered and cherished. Mom had a no-nonsense, commonsense approach to life and a strong stubborn streak of independence. We will miss her listening ear, encouraging words and steady optimism. “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28 How appropriate to commemorate her faithfulness this Mother’s Day. Her timeless example lives on and we were honored to call her, Our Mom.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Newcom. Survivors include their four children: Kristie Ramey and her husband David Ramey of Eddyville, KY. Mark Newcom and his wife Joy Newcom of Forest City, Iowa. Iris Molstead and her husband Joe Molstead of Charles City, Iowa. Jason Newcom and his wife Jennifer Newcom of San Tan Valley, AZ; Twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life for both David and Carolyn Newcom is being held at Enon Baptist Church, Marion, KY, Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m.. They will be laid to rest in Maple View Cemetery, Marion, KY.