Mrs. Edna G. Newell

August 22, 1930 - December 20, 2020

Edna G. Newell, 90, of Donelson and Orlinda, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020. Born August 22, 1930, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Porter Kimmell Gober and Hattie E. Roddy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, William W (Bill) Newell. Edna was a devoted wife to Bill; a loving mother to her children--Lynda (David) Bivins of Orlinda, Wade (Penny) Newell of Knoxville, Scott (Linda) Newell of Mt. Juliet; a loving Nana to grandchildren Lyndsay (Tad) Schmidt of Fort Worth, TX and Wilson (Tessa) Newell of Memphis, TN; and she was especially honored to have become a great-grandmother in recent years. She had deep affection for her sisters, Pam (Bob) Black and Dotsie (Randle) Deaton; and she leaves behind her devoted canine companion for the last six years, Tara. Edna had many passions, all contributing to creating a happy, supportive, fun life experience for her family and friends. She loved family gatherings for birthdays and holidays, and celebrated each one in a personal and creative way. Along with Bill, she loved to cook, and together they were well known for their passion to recreate an abundance of traditional recipes for each and every occasion. She was also an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and creative needle-crafter. Bill and Edna enjoyed travelling the world, as well as convening the family for houseboat weekends and vacations close to home on lakes in Tennessee. Edna had an immutable reverence for the American flag and great love for her country and for the local communities where she grew up--Goodlettsville, Madison, and Old Hickory—and for Donelson, where she lived her adult life focused on providing a loving environment to all she touched. Due to current Covid-19 restrictions and risks, Edna was laid to rest in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery in a private ceremony.