Annette Newton

Annette (Alexander) Newton was born in Columbus, OH, on January 26, 1953, to Ruth Bell Alexander and John Wesley Alexander Sr. She was the youngest of 5 children and attended Columbus City Schools, namely Windsor Elementary and Linden-McKinley High School.

Annette spent most of her adult years with the love of her life, Dezria “Zale” Newton. After being together for 13 years, they finally married in 1993, spending a total of 43 years together. In addition to
spending time with her husband, she enjoyed working many different jobs including Days Inn, where she worked for 10 years. However, her passion was babysitting for family and friends. She absolutely loved children and enjoyed babysitting her niece and nephew, Sarenity and Sencere, when they were little.

Annette and Dezria welcomed many children into their home over the years, and had the honor of raising their nephew, Phillip Newton as their own. Annette was a one-of-a-kind type of person. She had a very explosive personality and had no problem “keeping it real” at all times. If she wasn’t in her garden enjoying her flowers and “herbs”, out shopping, or in her kitchen doing her “cooking dance”, then she was on the phone looking for her next competitor in chess. Annette cherished quality time with family and making memories. She cherished her granddaughter and great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.

Annette will be remembered the most for her tell it like it is demeanor, always in the kitchen cooking, ready to feed anyone that walked through her door, as well as her intellectual conversations and spiritual guidance. She has taught all of us many life lessons that we can apply to our daily lives in honor of her great memory. She will surely be missed!

Annette is preceded in death by both of her parents, Ruth Bell and John Wesley Alexander Sr.; husband, Dezria Newton; brothers, John Wesley Jr. and Randy Alexander; and sister, Denise Alexander.

Annette leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Brenda (Clarence) Terry; son, Leon Alexander; honorary son, Phillip Newton; granddaughter, Shanequa Burgess; great-grandchildren, Dayon, Kira, and Vira
Burgess; honorary great-grandchildren, Paradise and Ryleigh Newton; special niece, Alisa Alexander; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Visitation 1:00pm and Memorial Service 2:00pm Saturday, April 20, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.