Faith Newton Hobson

Faith Evangeline Newton Hobson, 96, died peacefully at English Meadows Senior Living in Abingdon, Va., her home for the past three years, on Monday, October 1, 2018.Born January 20, 1922, in Central, S.C., Faith was the thirteenth of fourteen children of Franklin “Doc” Miles Newton and Alma Zalula Nalley Newton.

In addition to her parents, Faith was preceded in death by her husband of 61 ½ years, Marion Wallace Hobson, and her 12 older siblings: Mary Magdalene “Lena” Newton, B. Ina N. Lovelace, Jacob “Ja” L. Newton, G. Thomas Newton, “Sam” C. Newton, J. Isaac Newton, Ethel N. Childs, Bula N. Harden Warren, M. Clarke Newton, “Mac” Daniel Newton, E. Cleo N. Chandler, and “Nate” S. Newton.

Faith moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala. in 1942 after finishing Central Wesleyan Methodist Academy. She began studies at the University of Alabama earning her BS, MA (1955), and Class AA certification. Faith taught in Mississippi and the Tuscaloosa County public school system and was principal at Elrod Elementary. She joined the Tuscaloosa City school system in 1951, teaching at Jemison School for 12 years, Alberta Elementary for 7 years, and as Principal at Oakdale Elementary (1970-1981). She retired as a Supervisor of Early Childhood Education in the City school system in 1983.  Faith and Wallace traveled all over the United States for conferences and continuing education meetings. International travel brought great joy and the opportunity to continue learning about the world, but there were no places as special to her as Central, S.C. and her beloved University of Alabama. Roll Tide.

Always active in the community, Faith served on numerous educational committees including past president of Tuscaloosa Teachers Association. She was a member of Beta Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and Kappa Delta Pi. Faith treasured all of her neighbors from Greensboro Avenue, to Northwood Lake, and Richmond Place. A faithful member of Tuscaloosa First Wesleyan Church, Faith served as a Sunday school teacher, sang joyfully with the choirs, devoted a significant amount of her time after retirement to the Preschool, and cherished her friends in the “Best Years Fellowship.” She considered being named “Donkey Queen” in 2004 a great honor from her church family. Faith attended Emory United Methodist Church during her three years in Virginia.

She is survived by her younger brother, David Timothy Newton (Marie) of Fayetteville, N.C.; twenty nieces and nephews including Walter Dean (Joanne) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews including her most recent caregiver, Susan Moss Stanley (Tal), Emory, Va. There are thousands of students who learned with “Homework Hobson.” A thank you note written in 2016 by a former student summarized the encouragement Faith provided to all: “You encouraged us to read. You encouraged us to sing. You encouraged us to be kind, to be thankful and happy.” Faith used every means she had to offer encouragement to the world, including her perfected recipe for peanut brittle.

The Newton-Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central, S.C., named in Faith’s honor in October 2008, will be the location for a service celebrating her life on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will be held at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.

Faith was a generous benefactor to many during her lifetime. Her wishes were for memorial contributions to be made to Southern Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 1020, Central, SC 29630 or a charity of one’s choice.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at English Meadows and Caris Healthcare for the loving care extended to Faith.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.  The family of Faith Evangeline Newton Hobson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).