Ellouise Newkirk

Life Story

Ms. Ellouise Newkirk (Nana)

Ellouise Newkirk was born July 2, 1931, In Pender County Currie, North Carolina, to the late Malachi and Flora Newkirk. Ellouise was the fourth eldest of nine children. Ellouise received her elementary and high school education in the Pender County School System. At a young age, Ellouise joined Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she attended until she relocated up North to Philadelphia, Pa

Ellouise was always close to her parents and siblings, enjoying cooking beside her mother and sewing with her sisters. Ellouise was a very dependable person and would remind them, if necessary, of what her role was! Ellouise moved to Philadelphia at a young age looking to make a better living for her family. She held multiple jobs and assignments as they were presented She was even employed on a cruise ship.

She was the mother of five children Terry, Roger, Janelle, Michael, Carolyn, all whom she loved dearly. For all of her life, she neutered her family, going the last mile of the way for each of her children. In 1978 Ellouise was an employee of the Stephen Girard College working in food and nutrition we’re she would come home with so many hilarious stories about work. She always said she never missed a day or was ever late for work. Timing and hard work were always important to her. Ellouis retired from Stephen Girard College in 1992. Ellouise loved to travel and dress she would always say “I’ve traveled the world and met so many people”. She will be lovingly remembered for many wonderful attributes of kindness and love shown to her family and friends.

On January 5, 2022, God called her home to rest. In addition to her parents, Ellouise was preceded in death by her loving father and mother Malachia and Flora Newkirk her seven siblings Allen Newkirk, Mildred Major, Carl Newkirk, Ernestine Bell, Pearlie Newkirk, Shirley Walker, and Esther Reynolds. Her three children Terry Newkirk, Roger Newkirk, and Michael Newkirk. Her great grand son Promise Graham. Her Special friend Thelma Smith.

Ellouise leaves to cherish her precious memories: Her sister Mrs. Irma Simpson (James) two daughters Janelle Newkirk Geter (Carl) Carolyn Newkirk (Rayfield) who preceded her in death One daughter in law Minnie Pearl Newkirk. Fifteen Grandchildren: Maurice (Tina) Terry (Courtenay) Shante, Coley (Nicole) Shana (Rob) Niketa, Eboni (Frank) Lester (Leah) Shanelle, Quianna (Chuck) Roger, James, Tiyanna, Devin, and Jerrick

Thirty-six Great-grandchildren and Seven Great great-grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews. Ellouise also had several close friends, Jimmy Smith, Loretta Prather, Israel Burshatin, Asma Lairani, and Carolyn Dubose.

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