Miriam Ann (Whaley) Newton

Miriam Whaley Newton, 85, of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025.
  Born on March 10, 1940, in Pelham, Georgia, Miriam was the youngest daughter of Albert and Annie Pearl Ott Whaley. She was crowned Miss Pelham and later Miss Deep South in 1957, a reflection of her charm, beauty and kind spirit that touched everyone she met. She graduated from Pelham High School, where she made lifelong friends and was known for her warm smile and gracious nature.
  After several chance encounters, Miriam met the love of her life, Gus Newton while attending the University of Georgia. Following a whirlwind romance, the two married in 1960 and built a beautiful life together that spanned over 61 years. No matter where they resided, they quickly made friends, leaving behind a lifetime of fond memories and enduring friendships.
  A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Miriam’s greatest joy was her family. She and Gus raised three daughters, Nancy, Susan and Ann. She lovingly instilled in them her values of kindness, integrity and compassion. Her home was always open and filled with warmth, laughter and love. Many of her daughters’ friends considered Miriam to be a second mother, a reflection of the care and comfort she so freely gave.
  For many years, Miriam was a devoted stay at home mother, deeply involved in her community, her daughters’ schools, and her church. She was grade mother and active in the PTA, serving as membership chairman and secretary, and numerous civic and community organizations, always giving her time and talents to support others. She was honored to be one of the Statesville women listed in “Outstanding Young Women of America for 1972”. When she returned to the workforce, she pursued her love of design as an interior designer, becoming part of a talented group of women affectionately known as the “Designing Women.” Later in life, she found deep purpose and joy working at The Sunshine House, a facility for adults with developmental disabilities, where her compassion and warmth made a lasting difference.
  Miriam will be remembered by all that knew her for her faith, friendship and generosity. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and loved, and she touched countless lives through her kindness and grace.
  She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings; husband Gus Newton; son in law David Melvin Blair; grandson, Samuel Lane Blair; and granddaughter, Sydney Elizabeth Blair.
  She is survived by her loving daughters Nancy Blair of Kingsport TN, Susan and husband Brian Becker of Blowing Rock, NC, and Ann and husband John Pegram of Kennesaw, GA; grandchildren
Russell and Lane Blair, Noah, Katie and William Becker, and Parker, Thomas and Sophie Pegram; great grandchildren Gus and Valentina, brother in law Tom Newton and wife Patti of Lodi, CA; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
  Services will be held at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock on November 15th at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Newton family.

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