Celebrating the Life of Lester Lawrence Newton

Celebrating the

Life of

Lester Lawrence Newton Sunrise: January 20, 1927 Sunset: December 28, 2023

Order of Service

Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 12:00 Noon HARRISON-ROSS MORTUARY 4601 S. Crenshaw Blvd • Los Angeles, CA 90043 Pastor Walter Farmer, Officiant Union Hill MBC, Los Angeles

Organ Prelude.............................................................................................................. Musician Processional........................................“Amazing Grace”..........................................The Family Scripture Reading: Old Testament (Psalm 23)................................................................. Se'An Newton Musical Dedication............“My Woman, My Woman, My Wife".............by Marty Robbins Prayer....................................................................................................... Pastor Walter Farmer Reflections (2 Minutes Please)................................................................ Anthony Newton, Jr. Karla Lewis-Strong Anita Tatum City of Inglewood Commendation / Acknowledgements........................Cameron Nelson Obituary...........................................................................................................Cameron Nelson Musical Selection....................................."My Way".......................................by Frank Sinatra Eulogy...................................................................................................... Pastor Walter Farmer Benediction Recessional.............................. "Everyday (I Have the Blues)"................... Family and Guests

INTERMENT I NG L EWO OD PA R K C E M ET E RY 720 E. Florence Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 REPAST Immediately following the Interment Newton Family Residence 2717 W. 84th Street Inglewood, CA 90305

My Woman, My Woman, My Wife "Dedicated to Lena from Lester"

Hands that are strong but wrinkled Doing work that never gets done Hair, that's lost some of the beauty By too many hours in the sun Eyes, that show some disappointment And there's been quite a lot in her life She's the foundation I lean on My woman, my woman, my wife Everyday has been uphill Oh, we climb but we can't reach the top I'm weak and I'm easily discouraged She just smiles when I want to stop Lips, that are weary but tender With love, that strengthens my life A saint, in a dress made of gingham My woman, my woman, my wife Two little babies were born in the spring But died when the winter was new I lost control of my mind and my soul But my woman's faith carried us through When she reaches that river Lord, you know what she's worth Give her that mansion up yonder 'Cause she's been through hell here on earth Lord, give her my share of Heaven If I've earned any here in this life 'Cause God, I believe she deserves it My woman, my woman, my wife Song by Marty Robbins

Life of

Lester Lawrence Newton On January 20, 1927, an unusually warm and rainy Alexandria Thursday, Mary Louise and Willie welcomed Lester Lawrence Newton into the world; the 9th of 9 siblings.

The seasoned parents were over the moon at the completion of their robust family!

As you can imagine, tending to a family of eleven was no easy task, but Willie and Mary worked diligently to make sure everyone was cared for. But when Lester was only 18 months old, misfortune struck the Newton family. Their patriarch, Willie, tragically passed in an industrial accident, leaving Lester and his siblings to be raised by widowed Mary Louise. Raising 9 children as a single person during the Great Depression era was an arduous feat. Banks folded, and the family lost most of their inheritance. However, Mary leaned on her faith, keeping the children in their neighborhood Baptist church, attending Sunday School regularly. As a result, Lester accepted Christ at a young age. Devout in his beliefs, he knelt down for prayer each morning and evening, well into adulthood, for as long as his body would allow.

Lester watched his mother carry his family through the toughest of times with grit and determination.

It is this same grit and determination that was passed on to Lester, as he became a Truck Driver at the age of 17 years old. He worked as a trucker for almost 50 years, employed with GI Truck Company, CLC Trucking Company, and was leased out to Coca Cola Company, where he later retired in 1991. Lester’s trucking took him all across the US, but it was Los Angeles where he decided to reside.

On what would later become one of the most pivotal days of both of their lives, Lester saw a beautiful young woman walking home from work during the bus strike in Los Angeles, 1974. He asked her name, and she eventually (and reluctantly) told him her name was Lena Lewis. Being the gentleman he was, Lester offered her a ride home, but she refused - stranger danger! After much persistence, Lester found that Lena worked with his sister at a nearby rehab facility. This was the “in” that Lester needed, as Lena relented and accepted his phone number.

Life of

Lester Lawrence Newton continued...

During the days ahead, they must have made a true love connection because on September 3, 1977 they were united in matrimony! Born of this union were Brian and Brenda Newton.

Lester prided himself on impeccably caring for his family. His hardworking nature showed up, yet again, as he worked to allow Lena to stay home for 20 years. They never wanted for anything! Lester and Lena took Brian and Brenda everywhere with them never using babysitters. They especially enjoyed taking road trips as a family in Lester’s beloved automobiles that he hand washed and polished each Saturday morning!

“Uncle Lester”, as he was affectionately known by many, never met a stranger, as he spoke to any and everyone he encountered. Spending time in his presence, you were guaranteed to hear a story, where his magnetic personality and infectious laugh were indelibly imprinted upon you. If you entered his home, you could expect to see a western movie on TV or hear his favorite tunes blasting from his music room, where he spent much time. And don’t even try to sit down when Al Green played, as he loved watching people dancing and enjoying the music as much as he did! Consider yourself lucky to have tasted Lester’s infamous bbq and gumbo recipes, straight from the bayou of Louisiana! He made sure bellies were full and a time was had at every gathering he and Lena hosted.

Lester lived a long, beautiful, and full life of love and shared experiences. “I’m the luckiest man, this side of heaven” were the words he spoke to his daughter Brenda just the day before he peacefully passed, surrounded by his loving family. He was met in glory by his parents, Willie and Mary Louise Newton; siblings, Leroy, Audrey, Fredrick, Albert, Willie, Mary, Herbert, and Hellen Newton; children, Lester Jr., Wayne, Patricia, and Timothy. Lester leaves to lovingly cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 46 years, Lena; 5 children, Brenda, Brian, Ruthie, Anthony Sr., and Donna Marie; 17 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and honorary children. He was adored by MANY and Lester’s rich legacy of 96 years will be seen across generations to come.

Memories

Memories

Active Pallbearers Kenith Murphy Henry Luster Tyrone Burgess Aurelio Brown Lawrence Payne, Jr. Dennis Minor

Honorary Pallbearers Jaylen Roth Dylan Murphy Sean Cato Mark Ares Jimmy Crow Shon Singleton Lugo Quezeda

Acknowledgements

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1:4 We would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the acts of kindness shown during our time of loss. Each expression of thoughtfulness and prayer will brighten the days ahead. May God richly bless you and your family.

The Family of Lester Lawrence Newton

Final Arrangements Entrusted to: Harrison-Ross Mortuary, View Park 4601 S. Crenshaw Blvd • Los Angeles, CA, 90043 • (323) 584-1200

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