Obituary

Essie Pearl Newkirk
April 29, 1941 - June 08, 2020



“For her worth is far above rubies”

God blew the breath of life into our beloved Essie Pearl Newkirk, on April 29, 1941 in Angie Louisiana. He entrusted his care and birth of this jewel in the hands of her dear late parents, Rev. Moses E. Owens Sr., and Louisa Harry Owens. The Almighty creator of the Universe in his Divine Providence gently lifted her from earthly toil to a higher place of praise as she went the last mile of the way on June 8th, 2020.

She was affectionately known to many as “Mama Pearl”. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Alton L. Owens and current Pastor, Rev. Dr. Linza R. Cotton. She attended church regularly and was an active member of the choir until her mobility was limited in her latter years. Her passion and praise remained intact!  She enjoyed her life and cherished her family.

The man that findeth a wife finds a good thing. Essie Pearl Newkirk became Ben’s good thing. They were married for 51 years.   Her Children Rise and Call her Blessed. To their precious union, 7 Children were born, and Mama Pearl found extreme, joy in raising them.

Mama Pearl was a woman who feared the Lord and she leaves a blueprint as she was an example of undeniable love for her Savior.  She found delight and looked forward to faithfully participating in the Robinson Owen’s Prayer line. She would always put other’s needs before hers. She consistently requested prayer for Pastor, her sister, her children and grandchildren. She was an avid football fan and was a sports fanatic.

Mama Pearl brought joy to many hearts while singing songs in Zion.  As she sat in the amen corner they would bring her the microphone and she would lead her song right from her seat. Two of her favorite songs were “Every Now and Then” and  “Just a Closer walk with thee.”

She leaves to carry on her legacy and treasure her memories her loving husband, George Ben Newkirk; three sons: Terry Owens (Michell) of Woodbridge, VA; Anthony Newkirk (Angela) of Houston, TX; Darren (Demetria) of Carrolton, TX; three daughters: Wanda Williams of Tyler Town, MS; Luneila Newkirk of Varnado, LA; Tomikia Newkirk of Atlanta, GA: Two Sisters: Louvenia McKinnley, Varnado, LA; and Algretta Owens (Russell) of Houston, TX: Four brothers: Cedrick Mark of Houston, TX; Moses Owens (Cynthia) of Dallas, TX; Jethro and John Owens of Houston, TX; three Stepsisters: Dorothy Moses (Alton) of Angie, LA; Ada Hart of Houston, TX  and Sandra Holmes of Wharton, TX; One stepbrother Tom Hart (Eva) of New Orleans, LA; She had 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren that she adored, along with special nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Mama Pearl had a special bond with her two caregivers Rena Pack, and Darlene Wilkerson whose care for her was nothing short of excellent. She also had a special nephew. Leslie McKinnley who always extended a helping hand and ensured her well-being.

She was preceded in death by her father, Moses E. Owens and Stepmother Alvenia Owens; Her mother, Louisa Hart and Stepfather Roscoe Hart; Her son, Donnell Owens, her grandson Quincy Newkirk and her best friend Alvena Nichols.

Mama Pearl will always be our family jewel.

Services will be at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. A Drive Through Viewing will be Friday, June 12, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM.