Sallie Ellis Newell

Sallie Ellis Newell, 66, of Boone NC, passed away at her home on November 11, 2023
surrounded by her daughters, Brianne and Jackie, and loving partner, Tommy. Sallie was born
on December 29, 1956 in Advance, NC, to the late William Jean Ellis and Hazel Rose Lackey
Ellis. In addition to her parents, Sallie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years,
Brian Alan Newell and her only son, Andrew Russell Newell, Drew.
Sallie was the youngest of five and truly adored by her parents and older siblings. She
graduated from Davie High School in 1975 where she served as the Chief Cheerleader. Sallie is
a 1979 graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in business. Through the years,
Sallie worked for Appalachian State as a computer programmer and held numerous positions
within Watauga County Schools. Sallie worked 27 years for the state of North Carolina and
before retiring, she worked as an NC Wise trainer for NCDPI.
After marrying in 1980, Sallie and Brian settled in Boone and would go on to raise three
wonderful children. As a mother, Sallie stopped at nothing to ensure her kids were loved and
supported at home, school, and within the community. She attended countless sporting events,
recitals, and plays. While it will never be enough time, Sallie was able to pour out that same love
on her five grandchildren.
Sallie had a genuine love for people and she expressed that as an active member of Boone
United Methodist Church for many years. She especially enjoyed volunteering at the Church’s
Annual Fall Bazaar among other things. Sallie was very invested in her community. She served
on the Boone Service League and aided in local elections for many years. She was an avid
tennis player and a member at Deer Valley, and she truly loved her tennis friends and
community. As any of her close friends would tell you, Sallie loved to paint, loved to dance and
enjoyed listening to good music. Sallie modeled a lifestyle of generosity with her resources, and
was always ready to share as the opportunity arose. She traveled to a host of beautiful places
around the world and was always up for a social outing with her dear friends and family. The
beach was her favorite place to visit, and it was there that she was able to spend plenty of time
during the last years of her life.
Sallie is survived by two daughters, Brianne Rose Thurman (Joshua) of Fleetwood, NC and
Jacqueline “Jackie” Newell Garner (David) of Boone, NC; five grandchildren, Claire Isabella
Thurman, Abigail Rose Thurman, Sofia Drew Thurman, Finley Jack Garner and Drew Francis
Garner; two brothers, Robert Ellis (Vauda) of Mocksville, William Ellis (Vickie) of Mocksville; two
sisters Sharon Burger of Lafayette Hill, PA, and Susan Price of Hillsborough, NC. Sallie is
survived by a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and special friends.
She is also survived by her loving partner, Tommy Leake of Rockingham, NC.
Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, November 16, at 11 am at Boone United
Methodist Church, with a brief visitation preceding at 10 am. Burial will take place at Mount
Lawn Cemetery in Boone following the service.

Memorials can be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Dr, Suite 101, Boone, NC
28607, and Boone United Methodist Church, care/of The Drew Newell Scholarship, 471 New
Market Blvd., Boone, NC 28607.

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