Pauline Newman

Pauline Newman was born May 7, 1929, in McBee, South Carolina to Nezzie and Elijah Murphy. She was one of 15 children: Emaxie (deceased), Melissa (deceased), Edelle (deceased), Junious (deceased), Ruby (deceased), Jimmie (Patricia), Carlie (deceased), DeWitt (deceased) Nieri, Timothy (Sylvia), Ray (deceased) Gigi, Faye (Ray's twin sister, deceased) Peggy (deceased) Levando and two siblings who died at birth.

Pauline graduated from McBee High School. Being one of the older children in her large family she often helped her mother with daily chores and even assisted in the delivery of her younger siblings. She loved cooking, sewing and cherished her brothers and sisters deeply. Family was always at the center of her life. As a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, she carried a spirit of service into adulthood, remaining devoted to both her family and the Lord.

In 1935, Pauline met Junious, and they married in 1953 after his return from World War II, they moved to Philadelphia to begin a new life together. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Patricia Newman (deceased)

She became a member of Community Baptist Church in 1966 under the leadership of the late Reverend Wilmer Wright and remained a faithful member until her passing. During her time there, she served diligently on The Missionary Board, The Nurses Board, The Emergency Choir and as the President of the Mothers Board. She loved being in the House of the Lord and could often be found sitting proudly in the front pew clapping her hands and lifting her voice in praise. You always knew when Mother Newman was in church because when she sang, she poured her heart and soul into every song. One of her favorite songs was “The Storm is Passing Over,” and one of her favorite scriptures was Psalms 121: 1-2, “I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth”.

Pauline began her career as a sewing machine operator and through hard work, skill and determination rose to become Production Manager of a respected 7th Avenue Fashion Company Almae. She mastered every step of garment making quickly earning the respect of her peers and supervisors alike. Despite many obstacles, she advanced with grace, persistence and strength, ultimately overseeing over 100 operators and working directly with well-known designers. Her sharp eye, efficiency and leadership left a lasting mark on the industry. Pauline's career journey was a true testament to her brilliance, resilience and remarkable spirit.

In the early 1980s, Pauline served as one of Life Abundance's first board members, helping introduce the ministry to the wider Christian community. She was also among the first volunteers at the Bucks County jail, where she mentored residents, led Bible studies and prayer meetings and even shared her famous sweet potato pies at holiday gatherings. Always an encourager, Pauline strengthened both the ministry and its volunteers, leaving a legacy of faith, service and love.

Pauline faithfully served the Winder Village Civic Association for over 40 years, including Vice President and Block Captain. She was dedicated to her community through toy, coat and food drives, fellowship gatherings and feeding those in need. Her generosity and service leave a legacy of love.

Pauline was known as the proud matriarch of the Murphy family. She was the one who brought everyone together, organizing events and making sure the family stayed connected. A classy lady with an eclectic sense of style, she was admired for her elegant dressing, stylish hats, signature glasses, flawless makeup, and her beautiful blonde hair which she kept throughout her retirement years.

Pauline was known to everyone as “Mom Mom”. She taught her children the importance of speaking up for themselves, standing strong and having faith. She believed in them wholeheartedly and encouraged them to believe in themselves. Bold and assertive in everything she did, Pauline was direct, persistent and determined. With her thick skin and unwavering will she always found a way to get things done her very presence commanded respect and her voice carried great weight. She made everyone feel special, often reminding them, “You know you're my #1”.

After retiring, she dedicated even more of her time to her family the true love of her life. She especially cherished her daughter and her grandchildren, living for them doing anything to support them. Pauline was a constant source of strength, always ready with a prayer and her unconditional love. She stood faithfully by her daughter and grandchildren, always there whenever they needed her.

Pauline welcomed strangers, loving them as though she had known them forever. She’d tell everybody just call me Mom Mom. Everyone would claim her as their grandmother. She was known for her friendliness, her ever-present smile and her loving spirit.

Pauline leaves to cherish her memory; her five grandchildren Wynona, Tasha, Julious, Fredric & Russell (Tamika), her 14 great-grandchildren; Crystal, Shakella, Marquis, Noah, Joseph, Russell Jr, Nyje, Raven, LJ, Xzaviour, Khalil, Rylie, Peyton and Royce, her five great-great grandchildren; Lailah, Harper, Jaylen, Aubrey and Mia, her adopted granddaughter Kelli Fields-Tucker; her Goddaughter Erica Waller-Hill; her two Godsons Jesse & Eric Conklin; nephew/Godson,Thomas Newman; a special great-granddaughter Dariel Jackson; and a host of family, friends, relatives and extended family.