Mattie Newman

The family of Mattie “Louise” Rogers Newman of Brenham, Texas is saddened to announce her passing on January 1, 2022, at the age of 89.

Louise was born August 17, 1932, in a little place called Clay Station to Robert Spencer Rogers and Helen Farquhar. She attended primary school in Clay and went to Brenham High School. In 1949 she was married to George Tommy Newman at Independence Baptist Church by M.A. Gary. The two made their home in the rural community of William Penn, on the Newman Land Grant. Together with Tommy she raised two children while assisting him in their farming and livestock business, as well as dedicating many years as a nurse’s aide in the nursery of the local hospital helping to welcome babies into the world!

Louise was dedicated to her community in so many ways. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Brenham for over 50 years, where she attended and taught Sunday school, led numerous girl's organizations, and served on many church committees. She was also a founding member of the William Penn Extension Homemakers Association (Texas Extension Education Association) and during her over 65 years of service in the club, she held virtually every office and was presented with numerous awards in recognition of her selfless service: 1968 District Homemaker of the Year, 1991 Lifetime Homemaker, 1999 Homemaker of the Year for the State of Texas, 2001 Outstanding EE Club Member, and 2013 County and District Texas Treasure Award. She brought this same level of service to the Washington County Fair, where she served over 55 years. She was also active in other clubs and organizations, including the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans, the Independence Historical Society, 4-H, and with several volunteer fire departments.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Connie Averitt; daughter-in-law Gayle Newman, grandchildren: Kevin Newman, Misti and Daniel Perez, Casey and Stephanie Newman, Matthew and Hannah Averitt, her great-grandchildren: Lane Perez, Talyn Perez, Parker Newman, and Preston Newman, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, George Tommy Newman; son, Tommy Gene Newman; son-in-law, Ray Averitt, sister Helen Rogers, and her parents: Robert Spencer Rogers and Helen Farquhar.

Visitation will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family available for visitors from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at First Baptist Church Market Street downtown Brenham, TX.  with Pastor Troy Sikes officiating. Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Newman, Casey Newman, Matthew Averitt, Lane Perez, Daniel Perez, Marshall Fairbanks, Dale Fairbanks, Jimmie Fairbanks, Misti Perez, Stephanie Newman, Hannah Averitt, Talyn Perez, Parker Newman, Preston Newman.

Honorary pallbearers are JoAnn Fairbanks, Denise Fairbanks, Kathy Fairbanks, Fred and Janice Hermann, Dorothy Townson, Charles and Sue Cottingham, Terri Merryman, Kathleen Flick, Dotty Hensen, Members of the Friendship Sunday School Class, and Members of the Extensions Homemakers.

Memorials may be directed to Good Hope Cemetery, Bank of Brenham P.O. Box 66 Brenham, Texas 77834.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX. 77833.