Olivia G. Newton

Olivia G. Newton, 82, of Athens, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015. She was the daughter of Walter Charles and Margaret Elizabeth Chambers. She was born in Homer, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Floyd Grahl, the father of her daughter, Pamella Jean Grahl Thompson. She was of the Methodist faith until she married the late Frank Parker Newton in 1967 and became a member of Central Presbyterian in Athens.
She attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Following graduation she taught school for a number of years and earned a Masters Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Georgia. She had a real love of learning and continued to take courses that would be beneficial in her professional career.
She moved to Athens in 1964 and accepted a position with the State Department of Education as a State Supervisor working primarily in the Northeast section of the state. Her professional affiliations included membership in the National and State Home Economics Associations, American Vocational Association and as a member of the National Association of State Supervisors.
She was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, chaired several ministries and served as an Elder. Following retirement in 1987, she became involved as volunteer with The ARK, Our Daily Bread, Food Bank and Homeless Shelter. The legacy left by Martha Berry, Founder of Berry Schools, instilled in her the need to serve with "Hands, Heads and Hearts".
Volunteering at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens proved to be one of her most rewarding experiences. Serving as a member of the Auxiliary Board, she served as President Elect and President, was a District Director on the Board of the State Association. She served several years as Chair of "Love Light" for hospice, which was a fundraiser for St. Mary's Hospice House.
She is survived by her daughter, Pamella Jean Thompson and her husband James Aubrey Thompson of Athens, and two sisters, Robbie Smith of Monroe and Joann Banks of Lula.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2PM at Lord & Stephens East Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospice House, Love Light or to Covenant Presbyterian Church.