Obituary

Edna Mae Newton, affectionately known as “Mae,” was born on February 12, 1926, in Miami, Florida, to Samuel Stafford White and Hester Grace White. The eldest daughter in a family of eight children, Mae grew up alongside her siblings Charles “Kenneth,” Samuel “Junior,” Carolyn, Dorothy, Willidale, Thelma, and Walter, who tragically passed away in infancy. At the age of five, Mae’s family relocated to Nassau, where they established their home on Ross Corner. As the oldest girl in a large family, Mae assumed significant responsibilities early in life, helping to care for her younger siblings with a quiet strength and dedication.

At 13, Mae met Haisley Newton, the man who would later become her husband. The couple married in March 1943, when Mae was just 17 years old. Shortly after, they welcomed their first child, Andrea. Over the years, Mae devoted herself to raising her nine children—Andrea, Carmen, Jennifer, Charles, Sam, Van, Terrence, Stafford, and Maxine. A skilled homemaker and seamstress, she approached motherhood with unwavering commitment, creating a nurturing environment filled with love and care.

In 1955, Mae moved to New York City with her mother and her youngest children, Stafford and Maxine, in pursuit of better opportunities for her family. One year later, her remaining children—Andrea, Carmen, Jennifer, Charles, Sam, Van, and Terrence—joined her. Mae’s life in New York was defined by resilience and adaptability as she worked tirelessly to provide for her family in a new and challenging environment.

Mae had a wide range of interests, including knitting, cooking, and reading. Renowned for her culinary skills, she delighted family and friends with her signature chicken and dumplings. Her life was centered around her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply. 

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and quiet, calm demeanor. She was always willing to go over and above for her children, cooking for them, ironing their clothes, or encouraging harmony. She was a genuine person who loved deeply and unconditionally.

She is survived by 5 of her 9 children, Carmen, Jennifer, Stafford, Terrance, and Maxine, along with her Step Siblings Carolla, Paul, and Glenn. Grandchildren:  Genina, Troy, Erica, Andre, Claire, Robin, Tamica, Sabrina, Sam II, Dominique, Bianca, Timothy, Nicole, Joshua, Ayo, Kwame, Kofi, Danielle, Genene, Jeannette.  Great Grandchildren: Courdell, Danasia, Janay, Nia, Alani, Antwan, Nieisha, Matthew, Nykeia, Davonte, Cristian, Dean, Rayshawn, Ekoyama, Heaven, Shaquana, Gregory, Andre, Maiya, Noelé, Teniesha, Takiyah, Briana, Gavin, and Gia. Great Great Grandchildren: Semaj, Sendel, Sierra, Amir, Michai, Taylor, Halo, Jadon, Maison, Taniyah, Ofia, Sherinae, Raven, Christian, Brooklyn, Georgio, Chase, Kaiseem, Kendrick, Matthew and Maizah.

 Mae also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the U.S, Africa, and the Bahamas.

Throughout her 98 years, Mae embodied a quiet strength and conscientious nature. Her life was a testament to perseverance, love, and devotion to those she held dear. Mae will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May she rest in peace.