Mary Ruth Newman

Ms. Mary Ruth (Walls) Newman was born on April 13, 1953, in Demopolis, Alabama to her parents, Sally Mae and Tensley Walls Sr. At age 73, Mary passed away surrounded by family. Mary is preceded in death by her parents: Sally Mae and Tensley Walls Sr. siblings: Dora Lee Bryant, Shirley Browser, Tommy Walls, Anita Remcert, Patricia Ann Muse Thomas, Donna Marie Walls and one child- Toria “T-Bone” Walls. She is survived by siblings: Mary Elane (Lane)Witherspoon, Anthony (Rosetta) Bryant, Robert Walls, Tensley Walls Jr., Carolyn Bryant, Calvin Bryant, Fraiser Walls, Sylvester Bryant, Kendrick Walls, Van Walls, Cathy Johnson, Arita (William) Walls; daughters: Linda (George) Bliler, Shannon Walls, and Tanisha Newman; son: Michael (Jia) Ling; grandchildren, Terrance Walls, Talisha Barlow, Tatiyanna Walls, Cameron Walls, Tanna Bliler, Naveair Newman, Navaeh Newman, Toria Walls, Maryanna Newman and Óliver Ling, great-grandchildren, Nyla Walls, Josiah Tate, Kenadee Tate and Terrance “TJ” Walls along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary grew up as one of 17 siblings in a large household. From an early age, she learned the importance of being hardworking, loving the Lord, and leading with grace; values that would shape her character and remain evident throughout her life.

Mary moved to Michigan in the early 1970s and began building the foundation for a life marked by determination and service to others. In her adult years, she worked at Oldsmobile for 20 years of dedicated employment.

Mary's greatest joy, however, was found in her family. She was the proud mother of Shannon, Linda, Toria "T-Bone", Michael, and Tanisha. Motherhood came naturally to Mary and she devoted herself to creating a home fi lled with love, stability, and support. She expressed her love through acts of service, sacrifi ce, and unwavering presence.

As her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one cherished tradition remained unchanged: Sunday dinner at Grandma Mary's house. No matter the season of life or the health challenges she faced, Mary was determined to gather her family around the table, likely with an Old Western fi lm playing in the background. Preparing a warm meal for those she loved was not simply a routine. It was an expression of her heart. Those fortunate enough to share in those gatherings will forever remember the comforting aromas, delicious meals, laughter, and fellowship that fi lled her home each Sunday afternoon.

Mary was a member of Christ Alive Church in Battle Creek, MI. Her faith was not confi ned to a church building; it was evident in the way she lived each day. Through her conversations, encouragement, prayers, and acts of kindness, she shared the love of Christ with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Her favorite scripture, Psalms 23: its timeless reminder of God's guidance, provision, and faithfulness through every season of life refl ected the unwavering trust she placed in the Lord.

Mary was the heart of her family; a steady source of love, wisdom, encouragement, and strength. Her warm presence, comforting words, infectious laughter, and unconditional love will be deeply missed. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. The legacy she leaves behind is not measured merely by years lived, but by the countless lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.

Mary believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived with the conviction that a life well lived is one spent serving God and loving people. On Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Mary was called from labor to reward and welcomed into her eternal home.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the assurance of God's promise. We take comfort in knowing that Heaven celebrated her arrival as she entered the presence of the One she faithfully served. May we honor her memory by living out the faith, love, and devotion that defi ned her life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23