Evelyn Marcella Cushing Newell

Evelyn Marcella Cushing Newell, following a long decline in health this year, was escorted to Heaven by the Angels on April 29, 2020, from Gretna LA where she resided with her husband, Frank E. “Johnny” Newell, for most of their 63 years together until his death in 2014. Born in Miami FL in 1925 to Marcella Manuci and Robert Cushing (both deceased), she, her parents, and sisters, Isabelle and Dorothy (both deceased), moved during the Great Depression to Ortega, then Jacksonville FL, where she attended her beloved Advent Christian Church, earning at age 11 the Star Memory Certificate for memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, 23rd Psalm, and the Books of the Bible, which she could recite in rapid succession even into old age. She married in Jacksonville, had two children, Marsha and the late Wayne Overby, then remarried in New Orleans in 1950 and had two daughters, Linda and the late Terry Newell. A dedicated housewife and mother, she adorned making desserts, especially fudge and a homemade cake for every birthday, and sewed many costumes for dance recitals, including hand-sewing thousands of sequins. In the mid-1960s, she went to work full time for Sears as a cashier, then an auditor, for more than 25 years. She reunited with her children from Florida in the mid-1960s, and later, became acquainted with her step-children, Johnny and Sharon, to the great happiness of all involved. She is survived by 6 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren (one deceased), 7 great-grandchildren, 12 step-great-grandchildren, 7 step-great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and some very dear in-laws and friends. Everyone adored her for her kindness and easy-going way. Her dear friend and nursing home roommate in her final years, Ann, called her a saint. Now she truly is. Interment at Westlawn Cemetary. Memorial to be scheduled next year due to pandemic—friend Linda Newell Boudreaux on FB for details. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.