Maria P. Newman

Rev. Maria (Mia) Parham-Newman, age 44 of Rutledge, TN, passed from this life into life eternal February 5, 2010, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a member of Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church and the beloved pastor of the Rutledge Circuit United Methodist Churches: Shiloh, Joppa, and Cedar Grove. She loved her “Church Family�? and they loved her. Mia was a ray of sunshine everywhere she went and was loved by all who knew her. She held a paralegal degree from Cleveland State Community College and a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. After a career in law and insurance, she was a Certified Lay Speaker for several years before being called into the ministry of her Savior. Mia was looking forward to seminary and many more years of service of God and His people. Preceded in death by: Step-father, Clyde Raper; Grandfather, Ben Chase; Grandparents, Mason & Maggie Parham of South Pittsburg, TN; Aunt, Betty Jo Simmons; Uncles, Ray Parham and James Parham; Mother-in-law, Jeanette Newman. Mia is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Curtis Newman; Sons, Zach & BJ Newman; Father & Step-Mother, Joel and June Parham of Niota, TN; Mother, Rev. Alta Chase Raper of Sevierville; Grandmother, Frances Chase of Cleveland; Brothers & Sisters-in-law, John Parham & wife Becky Eckert of Maryville, TN, Chase Blair & wife Angela of Cleveland, TN, and Victor Loveday, Jr. of Maryville, TN; Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law, Douglas & Janie Newman of Indiana; Uncle & Aunt, Ralph & Willie Chase of Cleveland; Uncles, Curtis Parham of Knoxville, Eddie Parham of Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews; and five great-nieces and great-nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5:00 PM, Monday, February 8, 2010 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Billy Stephens, Rev. Carol Wilson, and Rev. Mickey Rainwater officiating. Special music will be provided by Ruby Buchanan and Niece, Alice Maynard. Interment will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery, Pleasant Hill Road, Maryville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for Zach & BJ’s College Fund, 133 Shiloh Church Road, Rutledge, TN 37861. Family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 PM, Monday, February 8, 2010 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maria P. Newman please visit our Sympathy Store.