Deena Williams Newman

Deena Williams Newman, 65, of Lakeland, passed away on June 3, 2023 at Lakeland Regional Health. Born August 13, 1957 in Jacksonville Florida, she was the daughter of Robert and Lois (McClellan) Williams. She grew up in Leesburg, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Deena was a professor of English at Albany State University and served as Minister of First Baptist Church of Melbourne and King Street Baptist Church in Cocoa, Florida. Was a published author of devotional books and many devotional magazine articles. A perpetual educator, she organized Vacation Bible Schools and was a Sunday School teacher. Much to the chagrin of her daughter, Allison, Deena made sure she grew up knowing the value of a good education and developing good writing skills. A wife, mother, professor, minister, and Sunday School teacher, Deena was a wonderful, wholesome woman and will be sorely missed.

Deena is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Thomas, Newman, their only daughter, Allison Songer, son-in-law, Charles "CJ" Songer, her only granddaughter, Skye, her beloved parents, brother Carl Williams and sister Sandy Pemble, nephews and their families.
The family will receive friends and family from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Beacon Hill Fellowship, 220 W. Beacon Rd, Lakeland, Florida 33803. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Reverend Tim Sizemore and Dr. Ray Johnson officiating. Funeral services will also be held in Camilla, Georgia at Parker-Bramlet Funeral Home. Deena will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery in Camilla, Georgia. Graveside service will be 2pm Saturday June 10th
Funeral services were entrusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Rd. Lakeland, FL 33805.

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