Elizabeth (Betty) Hampton Newman, 77, of Athens, passed away on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at her residence after a long battle with cancer.
A native of Hillsdale, NJ, and a resident of Athens, TN, she was a daughter of the late Reverend Earl L and Louise Hampton, and was a long time member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church of Athens, TN. She was a 1960 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College and retired teacher from Athens City School System where she devoted most of her adult life to education and received teacher of the year on multiple occasions in addition to system wide teacher of the year in 1989. Her passion was helping young students learn to read and educate in every way possible. After retiring, she volunteered in the school system as a tutor to continue to help teach students reading and writing. While her teachings will forever be treasured, her contributions to the lives of numerous students can’t be measured as well as her tender lovingkindness to all of her family and those she came in contact with.
Survivors include her loving husband of 56 years, Harry E. Newman of Athens; one daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Bob Harrison of Athens; one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Lisa Newman of Maryville, TN; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Harvey Downing of Ocean Grove, NJ; sister, Carol Conelly of Belvedere, NJ; sister in law and husband, Charlene and Gene Reynolds of Louisville, TN; sister in law, Brenda Curtis of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren, Shane Webb of Athens, Zakary Harrison of Athens, Landon Newman of Cookeville and Molly Newman of Maryville, TN.
Special thanks to all her prayer warriors and support system including Penny and Bobby Schultz, Judy and Charlie Guinn, Pastor Dave Graybeal and all of her extended family. Funeral services will be 6pm, Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Graybeal officiating. Burial will be private for the family.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those unable to attend may send condolences at Smithfuneralandcremationservicesof athens.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, 600 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN 37303.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Elizabeth (Betty) Newman.

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