2020

On May 16, 2020, Karen Newman was mentioned as a living sister in the obituary of Maggie Mae Kelley.

Karen Newman Obituary

Karen Ramona Eleby Newman passed away peacefully at her home in Pensacola, Florida, on January 17, 2026. She was born in Patterson, New Jersey January 31st, 1956, to Lillie Mae Eleby and Raymond H., and at the age of one, she moved to Bethune, South Carolina, where she was lovingly raised and cared for by Edward and Odessa Kelley, to whom she was deeply devoted and held in the highest regard. From the very beginning, Karen carried herself with a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that would touch many lives.

Karen was the beloved wife of Robert Newman I, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage built on love, commitment, and mutual respect.  Karen and Robert’s story began in church when she offered him a fan while ushering, and from that simple act of kindness and innocent attraction, their relationship blossomed.  Together, they created a home rooted in faith, family, and devotion. She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Robert “Robbie” Newman II, whom she affectionately called “sweetie sweetie,” and who was the light of her life. 

Faith played an important role in Karen’s life. She was baptized at a young age and faithfully served on the usher board at Mill Creek Baptist Church, where her quiet service reflected her love for God and being of service.

She received her formal education from the Kershaw County Public School system.  While residing in Bethune, South Carolina, Karen worked at Kendall’s before beginning a new chapter alongside her husband during his active-duty service in the United States Navy. Eventually, they made Pensacola, Florida their permanent home. There, Karen worked at Target and Walmart for many years until her retirement, where she was known for her dependability, kindness, and steady presence.

Karen was quiet by nature, yet deeply kind, loving, and devoted to everyone she met, always greeting you with a smile. She had a lifelong love of sports and was a die-hard Gamecock fan.  Known in her younger years for shooting hoops behind Bethune Elementary School, often as the only girl on the court. She also had a talent for carpentry work and took pride in creating and fixing things with her hands. Her love for music brought her great joy, and in her young years she cherished attending concerts with family and friends, making memories that will be treasured forever.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving parents, Edward and Odessa Kelley; her birth parents, Lillie Mae Eleby and Raymond H.; her brothers, Raymond Eleby and Lenward Kelley; and her sister, Maggie Kelley.

Leaving to cherish her beautiful memories are her beloved husband and son Robert & Robbie Newman; three brothers, James E. Kelley of Bethune, SC, Charles Kelley of Columbia, SC, and Tony Eleby of New Jersey; Four brothers-in-law Rufus Newman Jr. of Rockhill, SC, Otis Newman & Lonnie Newman of Camden, SC, Earl Newman of McBee, SC; Five sisters-in-law Virginia Newman of Columbia, SC, Derilla Sowell of McBee, SC, Catherine Sullivan & Edna Dixon of Philadelphia, PA and Carolyn Rice (Jimmy) of Denmark, SC along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and a dear friend, Kathy Merlan of Pensacola, FL.

Karen Ramona Eleby Newman will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering love for her family, and the quiet joy she brought into every space she entered. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave freely, and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice Care and CenterwellHome Health.  Your care and support will always be cherished. 

Viewing

Friday, January 30, 2026
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Nelson-Haile Funeral Home
919 Church Street
Camden, SC 29020

Wake

Friday, January 30, 2026
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Nelson-Haile Funeral Home
919 Church Street
Camden, SC 29020

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 31, 2026
1:00 PM
Mill Creek Baptist Church
3142 Mill Creek Road
Bethune, SC 29009

Interment following funeral service

Saturday, January 31, 2026
Mill Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
3142 Mill Creek Road
Bethune, SC 29009