Christana “Joyce” (Engle) Newkirk, 89, of Taswell, Indiana died on June 28, 2019 at Indian Creek Healthcare Center in Corydon, Indiana.
She was born on January 19, 1930 in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky to the late R. W. and Fannie (Kelley) Engle.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Fairview General Baptist Church. She loved her family and extended family. She babysat for countless children in the community, many of whom knew her as Mamaw Joycie.
She served her church in various capacities, and was past member of the Flat Creek Association of General Baptists Board of Directors, and spent many weeks over the course of 27 years preparing and serving food for Flat Creek Youth Camp in a modest kitchen which eventually was named The Joyce Newkirk Dining Hall in her honor.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Samuel Newkirk; a son, Novy Newkirk, a daughter, Rita Bowles, 3 brothers, 1 sister, and 3 grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons: Darrell (Suzzanne) Newkirk of Paoli and Steve (Sharon) Newkirk of Elkhart; daughters: Evelyn (Tim) Tolbert and Linda (Bob) Kellems, both of Taswell; son-in-law: John Bowles, daughter-in-law: Peggy Newkirk, 18 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and countless dear friends, and was loved by many as mother and grand-mother.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Fairview Church. Interment will follow in the Eastridge- Fairview Cemetery (both near Taswell, Indiana).
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 and after 9:00 am until time of the service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, all at the church.
Pastors Kim Allen and Steve Newkirk will officiate the service to include a special tribute by Glenna Campbell Byrum.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your favorite youth ministry, church library, Youth Haven Children’s Ranch, or the Fairview General Baptist Church.
Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana is entrusted with the arrangements.
