Bernice Pickle Newman

Bernice Louise (Pickle) Newman passed peacefully at home in Laurel, Mississippi, on April 24, 2026. She was born on October 13, 1937, in Grenada, to the late Connie Lee and Winnie Lee (Smith) Pickle. Bernice lived a life devoted to her faith in the Lord Almighty, to her beloved husband of 67 years, David Earl Newman, and to the family she cherished so deeply. Known lovingly as Mamaw to those who knew her best, she was a shining example of Christian service and selfless love. Her kitchen table was never without her Bible and Sunday School book nearby. Every summer, with the help of her husband, she planted a large garden to ensure her family—and anyone in need—had plenty of vegetables. She was a master canner and leaves behind enough canned goods that the family is quite certain Pawpaw will not go hungry. Her kitchen table remains the centerpiece of so many treasured memories. It was there that countless holiday meals were shared and hundreds of pounds of her famous chocolate pie were joyfully consumed—except for the year she added marshmallows and sparked a small family rebellion. Her pies were so beloved that she once attempted to ship one all the way to Iraq so her son Vernon could enjoy one while deployed. Holidays with Mamaw were always full of surprises. She had a unique talent for selecting some of the most memorable gifts, including yearly chess sets, questionable flannel-and-lace pajamas, and thoughtfully chosen thrifted treasures. A frugal woman at heart, she loved shopping at the Salvation Army and, on one memorable occasion, gifted one granddaughter a set of picture frames another granddaughter had previously donated. Though her family often teased her about her thrifting and gifting habits, they will forever miss the anticipation of seeing what item made her think of them. Mamaw placed immense importance on family and made certain her grandchildren knew their roots. Many hold dear memories of traveling with her every third weekend in May to Grenada Lake for the Pickle Family Reunion, as well as attending the annual Newman Family Reunion on Memorial Day weekend. She instilled in all of them the importance of family, heritage, and remembering where they came from. Her loved ones will also dearly miss her long, detailed phone calls and the voicemails she faithfully left when no one answered. She was a gifted storyteller who loved speaking about her grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. She often told the story of meeting Pawpaw and how they each had matching 1953 Chevrolets, though she was always quick to point out that hers was nicer because it had a radio. Mamaw and Pawpaw dated only 48 days before marrying on September 20, 1958, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted the next 67 years and set an enduring example for generations to follow. She loved talking about Pawpaw’s retirement hobby of selling firewood and was always proud of her devoted husband. In addition to being the loving matriarch of her family, Bernice built a successful career at Masonite, where she retired in 2001 after 22 years of dedicated service. She often spoke fondly of the many lifelong friendships she formed during her career. After her retirement, Mamaw dedicated her life to her family, her faith, and the service of others. Perhaps the most impressive hobby she developed was teaching herself to read and write in Braille. Bernice is now rejoicing in Heaven with her parents; her brothers C.D. Pickle, J.W. Pickle, and Larry Pickle; and her sisters Lena (Pickle) Dowdle and Faye (Pickle) Walls. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, David Earl Newman; her children, Lola Sanderson (David), Vernon Newman (Tammie), and Earl Newman (Leigh); her sister, Paula Prewitt; and her sisters-in-law, Barbara Pickle, Dorothy Pickle, and Margaret Browning. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Ivy East, Michael Newman, Morgan Eddy (Johnathan), Caitlin Cochran (Johnathan), Candace Ward (Andrew), and Brook (Justin) Strait; and her greatest pride in life her great-grandchildren: Jillian Hafley (Evan), Nadia East, Collins Eddy, Chipper Eddy, Gunner Cochran, Grayson Cochran, and Cameron Ward, each of whom she adored and proudly spoke of every chance she had. Special thanks to Mamaw’s caregiver, Ms. Tatiana Keys, and Comfort Care Hospice for their dedicated care during her final days. Visitation will be held at Kingston Assembly of God on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. with service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by Brother Randy Cook, Brother Kevin Williamson, and Brother Tyler McCraw. Interment will follow at Big Creek Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be her beloved nephews Jeff Pickle, Tracy Pickle, Sam Dowdle, Jimmy Walls, Robert Walls, Anthony Pickle, and Barry Pickle. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Bernice Pickle Newman

October 13, 1937 - April 24, 2026