On January 14, 2025, Trudy Ann Jackson (McCormick) Newhouse’s spirit went back to God who gave it to await the trumpet sound of the resurrection. We told her to look for us when she hears it and that we’ll be looking for her. At the age of 77, she died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Elkview, with her daughter, Lana sleeping by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude Loftis Priddy and Spencer Jackson, her grandparents who raised her Jeff and Lula Loftis, her aunts and uncles whom she was raised as a sister, Kyrene Hill, Eloise Graley, Betty Perdue, Joyce Frye, Lyle and Jack Loftis and son in law, Robby Wade. She was a member of Cobbs Creek Missionary Baptist Church and attended Mt Tabor Methodist and Aldersgate Non-Denominational Church since moving to Elkview in 2011. She was a 1965 graduate from Duval High School, and worked in various floral shops including her own, was a housekeeper and school cook before retiring as a jewelry consultant from Kohls in 2012.
She loved the Lord and allowed Him to use her as His vessel by helping anywhere she could to lighten the burdens of others in need. She was active in the community, church activities, and school functions while she, her children and grandchildren attended, along with many volunteer services. With her ‘energizer bunny’ liveliness, she spent innumerable hours over the years as a seamstress, cake decorator, floral designer, PTA member, homeroom mother, band booster, Sunday school teacher, VFW and Women’s Auxiliary volunteer, class reunion organizer, member of the Duval Alumni, hostess of several Loftis family and Newhouse family reunions, also volunteered her time and services for the dedication of the Yeager Monument in Alum Creek, as well as the monument placed on the front lawn of Duval High School and the dedication of the Yawkey “Y” and the highway on Route 3 from there to Julian in honor of 2 classmates, Richard McGhee and Rodney Breedlove who died in in Vietnam. She loved “clogging” style dancing on the weekends along with her husband and their friends at various community centers in the Kanawha Valley. She also served as dance instructor to those wishing to take up the art. As her children grew up and even thereafter, her house was a home to some, safe haven, refuge, retreat and all-around popular hangout for all the friends of her kids. They came when they wanted, stayed as long as they wanted, ate and drank all they wanted while she footed the bill and cleaned up the mess, without complaint. She loved you all, too.
She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Gerald Newhouse, daughters Le Ann (James) Ratliff and Lana McCormick, sons, David McCormick, Jr. (Lynette), Gerald Newhouse, II (Jessica), and Darrell Newhouse. Grandchildren, Elijah (Alisha) McCormick, Cody (Sydney) Bonnett, Hannah (Thomas) Lovejoy, Devon (Courtney) and Austin Newhouse, great grandchildren, Emberliegh, Robby and Willow McCormick and Grayson Lovejoy.
The family would like to extend thanks to Curry Funeral Home, Hospice of Kanawha Valley, entire staff on 5th floor of Thomas Hospital, for their care and allowance of her last birthday party complete with many guests (including unruly children) during her admittance last March. Special thanks to “Ms, Make it Happen” Tiffany McCormick at Dr. Philip Cox’s office, Mike Lewis, Alan Roberts, Gary Jordan, Lynn Mooney, Carolyn Douglas, Al Huddleston, Barbara Hunter, as well as, Frannie Sias, Leslie Dunlap, Charlie Gillenwater, David Gillenwater for their help with Trudy and Gerald at home, and innumerable others for your prayers, cards, messages, food and many other performed tasks throughout Trudy and Gerald’s illnesses. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity organization and if your financial situation doesn’t permit a monetary donation, donate time or service to someone in need in honor of Trudy. She’d love that.
Services will be at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2pm with visitation one hour prior. Pastors Danny Kinder and Richard McCallister will be officiating and an open mic will be extended for anyone wishing to share a memory, funny story, or tell of a blessing received by some of her good works. A memorial dinner in Trudy’s honor will be held at Cobb’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church’s Activity Building immediately following the funeral home service. The family understands that not everyone can attend the funeral service and everyone is still welcome at the memorial dinner. Trudy wouldn’t have it any other way. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated after the service and her remains placed with her parents at Lively Cemetery in Sod at a later date.
Jesus said:
“Come unto Me all ye who have labored and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest”
Matthew 11:28
I am so really sorry to hear that Trudy passed away. She has gone on to a far better place now. We who knew her can take comfort in that certainty. To all of the family, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Trudy. I spent many days there with you guys. I know what you’re going thru. Love and prayers
I am so sorry Leann, Lana and Corncob. Your mother was an amazing woman. She always had a smile on her face and she always made me feel welcome.