Sallie Gillespie Newman (93)

Sallie Gillespie Newman (93), devoted wife, beloved mother, and loving grandmother entered this life on September 16, 1928, in Eola, LA (Avoyelles Parish). She transitioned on Friday, April 15, 2022, at her home in Baton Rouge, LA. She was the first of seven children born to the union of Joshua J. Gillespie, Sr. and Ethel Lee. She attended Rosenwald School in DeQuincy, LA, and graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic School in Lafayette, LA in 1946. In July 1947 she married J. L. Cooks and to that union four children were born. She then continued her education at Southern University A&M, Baton Rouge, LA where she graduated with an education degree. After moving to Baton Rouge, she met and married Jewel J. Newman in June 1964. She worked with her husband at the Esso (Exxon) service station, which he owned. She continued her career at EBRP Clerk of Court and EBRP Tax Accessor's Office, where she retired in 1998. Her love and dedication to the church and the community was reflected in the many capacities in which she served. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, The Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Wilfred B. Ricard Court #116 and The Meritorious Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace Constance Butler Chapter #9, Top Ladies of Distinction, a board member of St. Vincent DePaul Society and former member of Southern University's 6th Man Club. Leaving to cherish her memory are her children: Brenda Cooks; Linda (Johnny) Narcisse; Edwin (Jocelyn) Cooks all of Baton Rouge, LA; and Urlecia Cooks of Germantown, MD; siblings: Allen Gillespie, Sr. of Petersburg, VA; Janie Bradley, and Bettie Betts of Chicago, IL, sister-in-law, Sandra Gillespie of Goodyear, Arizona; grandchildren: Stephen (Dr. Roquell) Narcisse, Washington, DC; Damien Narcisse, PhD, Tyler, TX; LaTari Cooks, Baton Rouge, LA; Bradley (Lauren) Narcisse of New Orleans, LA; Danielle Cooks, Atlanta, GA; and Joshua Abban, Germantown, MD; six greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Jewel J. Newman; her parents, Joshua J. Gillespie, Sr., and Ethel Lee; brothers: Joshua Gillespie, Jr., Francis Gillespie; sister, Velma Jenkins; and brother-in-law Hansel Bradley, Sr. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge, LA, Friday, April 29, 2022 with visitation at 9:00 am until Mass at 11:00 am. Masks are required. Interment at Southern Memorial Gardens. Hall Davis and Son Funeral Service, LLC, Scenic Hwy. In charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church's St. Vincent DePaul's Ministry or Alzheimer's Services Baton Rouge.