February 2, 2013, Violette Newton, 100, died at Calder Woods in Beaumont, Texas.
Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, August 11, 1912, to Elizabeth Lunny and Reece Wiggins, the family later moved to Port Arthur, Texas in 1925. She has resided in Beaumont since 1936 when she married Wilben Long Newton.
Violette is survived by her children, Roma Newton Richey, Reece Newton, and Erin Newton Wells; and grandchildren, Lisa Sudela, Arban Severin; William, Victoria, Edward and Alexander Newton, Owen Wells, and Meredith Francis; five great-grandchildren; and cousins, Carolyn Toops and Margaret Sandidge.
Mrs. Newton was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Temple and Cecil; and grandson, Andre Ornelas.
Violette’s writing is known internationally. In 1973, she was designated Poet Laureate of Texas by Governor Dolph Briscoe. Prominent among her many honors and awards are those from the Poetry Society of America, National Federation of State Poetry Societies, and The Poetry Society of Texas. She has published over twenty books, one of which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. As an ambassador for poetry, Violette spent many years guiding beginning writers and presenting recitals and programs in schools and at writers’ conferences. She has written guest columns for The Beaumont Enterprise as well as other periodicals. Her books and papers are housed in The Violette Newton Collection of the Cornette Library at West Texas A&M University, Canyon.
Mrs. Newton has been a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Beaumont.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, February 4, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, in Beaumont. Her funeral service is Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Organ Fund of First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3247, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
The family is grateful for her many friends and for the special loyalty of Birma Castle and Barbara Powell. Much appreciated is the excellent care provided by the staff of Calder Woods.
