BARLING, Ark. — Nita Newman, 77, of Barling, Ark., passed from this life Jan. 4, 2021, in Owensboro. She was born Jan. 8, 1943, in Ohio County to David and Jayne Hayse. Nita was an accomplished seamstress, owning her sewing business Nita Newman’s Tailor Shop, sewing for Civil War reenactors, and sewing blankets with Threads of Love for the less fortunate. She loved to cook and would prepare meals for the Masonic Lodge in Barling, as well as for the Fort Smith Boys Home. She was active in St. John’s Episcopal Church, leading the ECW (Episcopal Church Women).
Nita is survived by her daughter, Tammy Lynn Sapp; a son, Timothy Lee Peterson; three stepchildren Elizabeth, Victoria and Wayne; and 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett (Skip) Newman; a son, Thomas Scott Peterson; and 19 brothers and sisters.
A memorial graveside service was held Feb. 1 at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
