Barbara N. Newborn

Mother Barbara Hendrix Newborn was born on December 26, 1946, in Blevins, Arkansas, to the late Elder Lee Hendrix, Sr., and Corene (McClellan) Hendrix. She was the eleventh of twelve children, ten of whom preceded her in death.

At the age of 16, Barbara accepted Christ as her Lord and personal Savior and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. From that moment forward, she began a lifelong walk of faith, holiness, sanctification and an unwavering commitment of service to God.

On August 3, 1969, she entered holy matrimony with Charles Newborn. From this union, one son, Charles M. Newborn II, and one daughter, Jennifer Newborn Thomas (Brian), were born. Her beloved grandchildren, Lydia Thomas, Emory Thomas, and Joi Thomas brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Mother Newborn’s ministry journey began at Hendrix Memorial in Blevins, AR, a church her father, Pastor Lee Hendrix, built. She also served faithfully at Davis Memorial Church Of God In Christ until her health no longer allowed her to continue. As a lifelong servant and licensed missionary of the Church Of God In Christ,

Mother Barbara Newborn’s many years of service included Women’s Department of Second Jurisdiction of Arkansas Church Of God In Christ under the late Mother Bernice Lambert; Assistant Sunday School Superintendent at Davis Memorial; Arkadelphia District Purity Leader; Sunday School Teacher; Benevolence Ministry; and Church Mother. She was an anointed missionary who impacted the lives of those she met and wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the work of the Lord.

Barbara enjoyed shopping, planning family reunions, spending time with family, playing with her grandchildren, and sharing with friends. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and served in the Clark County Chapter beside her husband. She was a supportive member of the Peake Alumni Foundation, Inc. and the Arkansas Teacher’s Retirement Association. Barbara was also a past board member for the Arkadelphia Arts Council. She served as a member of the Sunshine Service Club, where she served as treasurer and secretary. She devoted a lot of time to helping prepare for the community events they hosted.

Known for her warm hospitality, Barbara delighted in preparing meals for guests and welcoming them in her home. She often enjoyed hosting and talking about the Lord. While you were visiting, you would be asked whether you knew the Lord. She was also never hesitant to give advice because she cared.

Barbara graduated Blevins High School in 1964. She attended Henderson State University. She was also employed by Henderson State in the early 70’s in the visual arts department, but later joined the International Paper Company, retiring after 23 years. She later worked at the Human Development Center. In her free time, she shared about skin care as a Mary Kay Consultant for over 20 years. She was a lifelong learner, continuously focused on finance and biblical studies.

Mother Barbara Newborn was preceded in death by her parents, Elder Lee and Corene Hendrix, and by the following siblings: Mrs. Orlillian Ogburn, Mrs. Minnie Pearl Livingston, Ms. Gulfae Tidwell, Mrs. Arcie Dell Wheeler, Ms. Elsie Lee Price, Mr. Lee Hendrix, Jr., Elder Willie D. Hendrix, Ms. Ina Jones, Mrs. Evelyn Knox-Flowers, and Ms. Effie C. Duncan.

Barbara has one living sister, Bertha Fae McClenton, of Blevins, AR. Two sisters-in-laws, Gilda Bataan and Mae Katherine Hendrix both of Chicago, Illinois. One God-daughter, Karen Davis Randolf. She also leaves a host of cherished nieces and nephews and dear friends that she cared about deeply.

Her unwavering faith, kind heart, and generous spirit touched countless lives. She leaves behind memories of her realness and assertiveness, and a legacy of devotion, strength, and love that will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.