Merry Beard Newton

Meriweather (Merry) Beard Newton

Merry was born in Columbus, MS, on Dec 17, 1944, to William Cluff and Carolyn Bacon Beard.

She graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1962 and attended M.S.C.W.

Merry worked at General Tire & Rubber Co. for several years and then as an Interior Designer in partnership with her mother in Beard’s Traditions for 25 years.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, North Mississippi Emmaus Community, a life member of the Columbus Jr. Auxiliary and was a past President of the Belle Fleur Garden Club.

Merry is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James B. (Jim) Newton. She is survived by her son Lt Col Tim Newton (Grace) of San Antonio, TX, daughter Nikki Latham (Chris) of West Point, MS. She has four grandchildren, Christopher Newton (Natalie) of Dallas, TX, Brandon Newton of Houston, TX, Foster Wiygul of Austin, TX, and Alden Wiygul of the University of Alabama. She also has two great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Hunter Newton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 26th, at the First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be in Carolyn’s Room at 10:00am and the service will begin at 11:00am in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to:

First United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 32

Columbus, MS 39703