Jean Butler Newman, 92, Springfield, Missouri passed away Monday, March 18, 2024 in her home. A Tennessee native, she was born to Clyde Roy and Leora Tomlin Butler on August 23, 1931 in Jackson, where she attended lower grade schools and high school. Upon graduation, Jean began her first employment as advertising manager with the Frankland Department Store in Jackson, where she worked while completing four years at Union University having graduated with a BA Degree in 1953.

Jean was married to Barclay M. Newman, Jr. in May 1953. In August they traveled to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where both were enrolled. Jean worked at several jobs during the time her husband completed his BD and PhD Degrees from Southern Seminary. Her two favorite positions were the opportunity to serve as a student staff member of the Southern Seminary Library and the months working at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville.

Jean and Barclay were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Tina Jean and Dana Malea. Jean filled her days as a mother and wife to Barclay, where he taught for six years at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.

Barclay resigned from William Jewell after six years, and the young family moved to overseas assignments with the American Bible Society with the duties as a United Bible Society Translations Consultant. The Philippines, Indonesia, West Malaysia, and a short time Singapore, became home to the Newmans for ten to twelve years. Jean began working for the Bible Society as Barclay's secretary, bookkeeper, office manager, and editor in 1968 and continued in these rolls until her retirement in December 2002. During these years of overseas assignments Jean traveled widely in Asia and Europe.

Jean was the proud and active grandmother of three granddaughters, Christina Lynn, Malea Ann and Andrea Jean Simkins. She delighted in her great-grandchildren, Elaina, Lawrence, Aiden and Keaton Mercer, Addison and Carter Simkins and Park Van Drie.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde R. and Leora T. Butler, her husband, Barclay M. Newman, Jr., her sister, Ann Sanders and a brother, Carlton Butler.

She is survived by her daughters, Tina Newman and Dana Newman; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their spouses; and several nieces and nephews.

In 2019, Jean was fortunate enough to have two books published. Over the years, she had only written a few short articles and stories.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 in University Heights Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf.com.