Margaret Louise (Harrison) Newton

Margaret Harrison Newton, 93, of John Knox Drive, Colfax, North Carolina, 27235,

a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend

began her eternal life with her Lord Jesus on January 17, 2018. She formerly lived at

709 Huntington Drive in High Point.

Margaret was born October 18, 1924 in Snow Hill, NC and was a daughter of the

late Bunyan Harrison and Etta Pearl Mooring Harrison. She was a resident of High Point

since October 1945. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Al Newton who

died February 12, 2006.

Margaret graduated from Snow Hill High School and Business School. She moved

to Elizabeth City during World War II and lived with her sister, Pearl Harrison Barrow

and her family. She worked as a secretary for Consolidated Aircraft Corporation. It was

while working there that she met her husband, Al, who was working in the same

department. They were married August 18, 1945 in Snow Hill, NC and celebrated 60

years of marriage. Margaret and Al’s greatest blessings in life were their three children,

six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Her top priority in life and greatest joy

was found when she was with them.

Margaret was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 72 years. She loved her

church and served in various areas at the church. She served as Sunday School teacher,

chairperson of the church nursery, chairperson for circle, and also served as a volunteer

for Contact Ministries. She was active in Girl Scouts and served as a Brownie troop

leader. She was active with numerous charitable and civic organizations. As an active

supporter of the public schools and the mother of three children, she was active in the

High Point City Schools’ PTA Council for several years. She served as President and

Secretary of Tomlinson Elementary School PTA and also served as President of the PTA

Council for two years. She as President and her friend, Florence Womack, as

Chairperson organized the first PTA at Ferndale Middle School in the late 1950s.

Margaret was a “stay at home” mom for thirteen years which she loved. With the

children in school she went to work for the City of High Point in the early 1960s. She

retired June 30th, 1992 with 32 years of service. She was secretary of the first

Personnel Director and also assumed responsibility of the newly created Information and

Complaint Department.

In 1969 the city manager requested that Margaret come to work for him. She

continued to wear “all the hats” in addition to assisting the City Manager and mayor. In

September, 1970 she had to relinquish some of her duties but continued to handle

public information and complaints for many more years.

As executive secretary for the city manager and the mayor, she served three City

Managers, nine mayors, and sixteen separate city councils. She felt they were all great

to work with and always was grateful for having had the honor and pleasure to work

with such a committed and dedicated group of people serving the citizens of High Point.

As a lasting tribute to Margaret, she was honored on Tuesday, June 30, 1992 “with a

special day by Mayor Rebecca R. Smothers and the city councils for her 32 years of

loyal, dedicated, and gracious service to the city of High Point.” A resolution was made

 

 

proclaiming that day as “Margaret Newton Day” and a luncheon and reception was given

in her honor. She was also presented with a key to the city. Margaret was loved and

respected by all of her co-workers.

Margaret loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She

will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters:

Donella Newton Gaillard and her husband Mike of Joplin, Missouri; Dawn Newton

Sizemore and her husband Bill of High Point; and a son Douglas and his wife Lisa of High

Point. She had six grandchildren: Tracey Gaillard Goodhope and her husband Danny of

Joplin, Missouri; Michael Gaillard, Jr. and his wife Kerri of Kansas City, Missouri; Martha

Sizemore Burton and her husband Bradley of Thomasville, North Carolina; Aaron

Sizemore and his wife Margaret of High Point; Lindsay Newton Stallings, and her

husband Kevin of Salisbury, North Carolina,and Courtney Newton Davis and her husband

Trace of High Point. She had seven great grandchildren: Luke Goodhope, Drew

Goodhope, Audrey Gaillard, Michael Gaillard, Jacob Burton, Jenna Burton, and Mason

Stallings. Other survivors include a sister, Pearl Harrison Barrow of Goldsboro, a brother

Ellsworth Harrison and his wife Betty of LaGrange, NC and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Harrison Ipock and Christine Harrison

Kearney of LaGrange, NC.

There will be a memorial service for the family and friends at 11:00, January 20,

2018 at River Landing in the multi-purpose room, 1575 John Knox Dr., Colfax, NC

27235, by Dr. Kenneth Broman-Fulks. The family will receive friends immediately

following the service.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Margaret’s caregivers that

made it possible for her to live “independently” longer and also many thanks to all the

caregivers at Pebble Beach 2 at River Landing. Thank you for your love and daily acts of

kindness.

Memorials may be directed to: First Presbyterian Church, 918 N. Main St., High

Point, NC 27260; River Landing at Sandy Ridge, 1575 John Knox Drive, Colfax, NC

27235; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

 

 

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