Mary Louise Newman, 67, of Neptune, New Jersey, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on September 14, 1958, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Newman Sr. and Alice Mae Kidd.
From a young age, Mary attended Long Branch Public Schools, where she enjoyed playing basketball/baseball and was known for her jovial spirit and warm personality. She graduated from Long Branch High School in 1977 with aspirations of pursuing a career in business and administration. In 1978, she attended Brookdale Community College as she began laying the foundation for her professional journey.
Mary initially worked at The Whitmer House, which helped her establish stability early in her career. She later accepted a position as an operator at Robert Louis Coat Factory. Her dedication, loyalty, and strong work ethic quickly set her apart. She was subsequently promoted into management roles at Scosseys Original and later at Westward Pharmaceutical, where she faithfully served for over 20 years before retiring. Even in retirement, Mary’s heart for service remained evident as she partnered with Del’s Daycare, supervising and caring for young children with love and attentiveness.
Mary’s spiritual foundation was deeply rooted in the influence of her maternal grandmother, Mother Louise Newman Threat, who adopted and helped raise Mary, along with her siblings Charles and Charlotte. Mother Louise Newman Threat was a spiritual bridge in Mary’s life, faithfully taking the children to Mount Olive COGIC in Neptune, New Jersey, where they attended Sunday School and YPWW.
As Mary matured, she made her own decision to continue serving the Lord. After being invited by her close friend Regina Hayes, she joined Holy Temple COGIC, where she was saved in her late teenage years and later f illed with the Holy Ghost. Holy Temple became her spiritual home for over 40 years. She was faithful in Sunday School, Tuesday Night Prayer, and Thursday Night services.
Mary served diligently on the local, district, and state levels in numerous capacities including Church Clerk, Junior Pastor’s Aide President, Pastor’s Aide President, Program Coordinator, Choir Director, Choir Member, and Videographer. She was among the first at Holy Temple to begin recording services, helping usher the church into greater excellence and broader gospel outreach. Her ministry extended internationally as she faithfully attended the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee and UNAC youth conventions worldwide.
Although Mary did not have biological children, she was a devoted Godmother and caregiver to many. She lovingly poured into the lives of Steven Schwartz Jr., Quinton Schwartz Jr., Daniel Steward, Annece Steward, Lauryn Roberts, and Joseph (JoJo) Steward-Young, among others.
Mary became deeply connected to the Schwartz and Steward families. She lovingly cared for the home of Pastor and Mother Schwartz and, in 2003, shared residence with the Joseph Steward family. Her bond with the Steward family was strong and enduring; Mary loved them dearly, and they cherished every moment in her presence. Mary invested into the Steward children; as one major memory - purchasing Daniel a keyboard at an early age, rehearsing daily and watching him evolve into the maestro he is today.
She often spent Sunday afternoons watching sermons with her dear sister Delphine Steward, as the Word of God and praise were essential parts of her life. Mary drew spiritual insight and encouragement from Pastor Choyce Schwartz (deceased), Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Bishop Prince Bryant, and her present pastor, Pastor Daniel Steward of House of Ephraim, Trenton NJ. Gospel music strengthened her spirit, and she found joy and inspiration in the music of The Clark Sisters and Rev. James Moore, often sharing those songs with friends and family.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Charles Newman Sr.; her mother, Alice Mae Kidd; her grandmother, Mother Louise Newman Threat; her niece, Theresa; her Uncle Phil; Gwen Newman; and her brother in Christ, Pastor Joseph Steward.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Her uncle, Vincent Newman (Keyla); Her sisters, Charlotte Newman, Bridget Newman, Lynn Lane, Tia Newman, and Anna Newman Starckey; Her brothers, Charles Newman Jr., Jason Newman, Larry Newman, David Newman, and Robert Kidd; Her cousins, Viola Coles and Lisa Starckey; Her spiritually adopted family, Delphine Steward, Annece Steward, and Pastor Daniel Steward (Ariel); Along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Mary was also deeply loved and cared for by the doctors and nurses at Monmouth Medical Center , her Pulmonologist and Complete Care Rehab in Wall, whose compassion meant so much during her journey.
Mary’s life was marked by faithfulness, loyalty, service, and love. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
