Sharon McCandless Newton


Sharon McCandless Newton
February 23, 1954 – November 11, 2019

Sharon McCandless Newton of College Station passed away on Monday, November 11th in her home surrounded by family and friends. Her family will receive guests during visiting hours 5 to 7 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center. Her Life Tribute Celebration will begin with an hour visitation at 10 am, with the service at 11 am, November 15, 2019, at A&M Church of Christ, 2475 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station. Interment will follow in the College Station Memorial Cemetery. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers.

Sharon was born in Dallas, TX on February 23, 1954, to Charles and Joyce McCandless. Her favorite childhood memories were the adventures, laughter, and secrets shared with her sisters while growing up in College Station. Sharon always had a knack for turning the normal into the extraordinary and making everyone feel special.

Sharon graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1972 and was a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘76. Two great loves emerged from her college years-her husband, Mike Newton and her passion for educating children. Sharon and Mike built a life together in Knox City, Texas, where they welcomed their three adventurous sons, Joshua, Jordan, and Matthew. Sharon’s world revolved around her four boys and she quickly became obsessed with any sport her boys took up. There were many times Sharon could be found shooting hoops outside in the driveway or on the tennis court with her Newton boys. The loser did the dishes and somehow she and Mike never lost.

A life-long educator, Sharon began her teaching career at Knox City Elementary and later opened a private pre-school, Little Learners. As her own family grew, she returned to public schools in Knox City until moving back to College Station in 1990. For eighteen years, Sharon poured her heart and energy into second graders and ESL students at College Hills Elementary. The amazing staff at College Hills was like a second family to Sharon. Her family loved to hear Sharon laugh while telling stories of her 2nd-grade teaching partners and her fellow prankster, Mr. Garner. In 2008, Sharon retired from teaching and shifted her nurturing spirit to the next generation of Newtons, her grandchildren. Riley, Cameron, Jace, Cade, and Kendall captured their Mamma’s heart from the moment she set eyes on them. Their bond was one of the greatest things to witness and Sharon worked endlessly in giving each of them a lifetime of memories. Perhaps the best lesson Sharon taught everyone was how to live a joyful life, first with her siblings, then her husband and sons, her students and friends, and finally her grandchildren. Some of Sharon’s favorite activities included painting, cycling, anything outdoors, decorating, shopping, and traveling. She showed us all her love for Christ by her faithful attendance and service to A&M Church of Christ, a second home filled with so many dear friends, among them the famous Payson Six.

Sharon dedicated her life to loving those around her. However, the love she had for her Mike was something to behold. Leaving his side might be one of the hardest things Sharon had to do and her family is forever grateful to witness the bond, love, and dedication of Sharon and Mike Newton.

The family requests that you join them in honoring Sharon’s memory through the telling of a silly joke, pulling off a prank, taking a girl’s trip, planning a family vacation to the beach, riding a bike, playing a card game or checkers with your kids or grandkids, cooking a meal, teaching a child, decorating a room, or sharing a smile or a laugh with another. Whatever you do, do it with a laugh and a smile for Sharon.

Her mother, Joyce Elaine McCandless, precedes her in death.

Sharon’s great legacy continues on in her husband of forty-three years, Mike Newton; her father and his wife, Charles and Jeannie McCandless; her sons, Joshua and wife Dawn Newton, Jordan and wife Katie Newton, Matthew and wife Sophie Newton; her grandchildren Riley, Cameron, Jace, Cade, and Kendall; her sisters Cathy and husband Gary Pankonien, and Debra and husband Scott Shafer; her nephews and nieces, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College Station ISD Education Foundation for a scholarship in her memory. Make checks payable to the CSISD Education Foundation and mail to 1812 Welsh, College Station, TX 77840 or you may donate online at givetokids.csisd.org and select “Donate.”

Express condolences at CallawayJones.com

Condolences

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your wife and mother was a beautiful person. And her humor was so contagious. Loved working with her. Always smiling and positive. She is now resting and at the feet of Jesus.

  2. A beautiful life well lived-and so, so loved. Sharon was a true blessing to all who knew her, and her joyful spirit was contagious! How lucky we are to have been able to call Sharon our friend.
    Sending grace, peace and love to her family.
    Mark and Mary Anne Ernst

  3. We are so sorry for the early passing of a beautiful soul. Sharon was always so welcoming and kind, we’re happy to say we had the chance to know her!

  4. Sharon was so kind, caring and fun-loving! She undoubtedly made my years at College Hills extra special. I’ll cherish the the memories that we made – in and out of ‘school’.
    Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of sweet Sharon. She will be missed.

    God Bless
    Jim and Debra Steinbacher

  5. I was saddened to hear that the world lost a beautiful soul. She was the smiling face my daughters were greeted with at Little Learners and such a sweet neighbor to my parents.
    Sharon will be deeply missed and my prayer is that your memories will bring you comfort.

  6. My heart hurts for your loss. She was a beautiful lady! Lots of prayers go out to the family during this time.

  7. Definitely an angel on earth! We are so thankful to have been blessed by her sweet and caring heart! She sang at my father’s service and it gave us all extra peace! Gods love and blessing on your entire family and friends! With loving sadness! Rusty and Debbie

  8. We only got to know Sharon after her son Josh married our niece Dawn. She was a true joy to know and she will sorely be missed by everyone.

  9. My heart goes out to the Newton family for their loss of this sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  10. Mike our hearts were saddened to learn of Sharon’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Blessings Derrell and Cathy Marion

  11. She was my Reading teacher at Knox City elementary 40 years ago. I remember how kind she was to those of us struggling with Reading. You never forget teachers like that. Sorry for your loss. God Bless You All.

  12. I am so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful lady! Enjoyed the years we taught together a long time ago in O’Brien. I know God welcomed her with open arms and I pray that He will give you all comfort! Love you guys!
    Sandy and Jim Chappell

  13. My heart aches for you dear family of sweet, loving, fun loving Sharon. A true LADY in every sense of the word and a fine Christian example in her life of teaching, family, friends and friends who became like family. She and Mike kept our youngest daughter the very first night we had to be away due to my surgery and I knew she was in the best hands possible. She loved children and kids and teens and it showed in her smile and actions. Way too young to leave us but so thankful she is resting in peace and comfort now.

  14. My heart goes out to you and your family on the passing of Sharon. She was such a sweet and caring lady and I counted it a privilege to be her friend. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

  15. Sharon always had a smile on her face when I worked with her at College Hills. She was beautiful inside and out.
    So sorry for your families loss. My prayers, and condolences for her family and friends.

  16. I am so very sorry to hear about Sharon. She was such an outstanding person. She touched so many lives with her kind sweet spirit, may she Rest In Peace . Prayers to you all.

  17. Mike and family! I am so sad to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife! Please know our prayers are with you and your loved ones during the coming days

  18. Debi I am so sorry about your sister my heart goes out to you and your family I will be praying for you love Debbie herman❤️

  19. Mike and family,
    So very sorry to hear of Sharon’s illness and passing. She will be greatly missed, as she was greatly loved! Sharon is fondly remembered here in Knox City. Her love for home and family, her unique style, her beaming smile are just a few things that come immediately to mind. Sharon started the first Little Learners preschool here, teaching our precious little ones and loving them as her own. She was a kind and gracious woman, and shared her heart freely. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our prayers will be ones of thanksgiving for the life she shared with so many, and also prayers for comfort for you all.

  20. Sharon was such a wonderful, kind, gentle, caring HS classmate (‘72) at A&M Consolidated. She lived her whole life caring more about others than herself… that’s just who she was. She parted way too soon, but I’m thankful that she left each of us a treasure trove of special memories, smiles, joy, laughter and friendship to hold on to until we see her again one day! My prayers go out to her family, that God would comfort you in your hurt and pain, strengthen you in your loss, and fill your heart and mind with the memories and hope she lived out in her life.

  21. Mike, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort and strengthen you through this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.

  22. I am so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. She was a close friend in our younger years, and although I hadn’t seen her since our tenth high school reunion, it seems we maintain a connection with those people who have been important in our lives. My deepest condolences to her family.

  23. Dear Mike
    Paulette and I are so sorry for your loss.
    You both had such a great Loving Life together.
    Please call me when you can, I would like to come see
    you and have lunch.
    Best Regards
    Doug Koop

  24. Mike,
    Our hearts hurt for you, your boys, and the many other members of your family as you have said goodbye to Sharon. Watching our kids grow up over the years and know how passionate Sharon and you loved and cared for your boys and so many others.

    My prayer is that the memories will massage your heart with joy in the coming days.

  25. Mike and family,
    Bill and I are so sorry for your loss. We know Sharon will be greatly missed and are praying that God wraps all of you in His tender love and care. Know that you will be continually in our prayers!
    From our hearts!

  26. So kind. So beautiful. I’ll forever treasure my years with Sharon at College Hills Elementary. She graced so many lives, young and old, with her love & presence. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you!

  27. I loved working with Sharon. She always had an easy laugh and a mischievous smile. She was always pulling me into some prank or scheme she was thinking up. I will miss her fun loving spirit, her sense of humor, and the grace she extended those around her. My prayers are with your family.

  28. Mike, it’s been a long time, brother. It greatly saddens me to hear of Sharon’s passing. Karen and I want to offer our love and condolences and for you to know that you and your family will be in our prayers.

  29. Mike and boys and the girls- Sharon was a good, fun, wonderful friend. She was so much fun to tease because she took it so well. When we would go out to eat I always tried to catch her eye and try to make her think she had something in her teeth. She was always fun and ready to have fun. I will miss her very much. What a joy to have spent time with her. Foree

  30. So many childhood memories came racing back as I watched the video. Sharon will always hold a special place in my heart. Surrounding Sharon, and her family and friends with love and light.

  31. Mike, Ben and I are so sorry for the loss of your precious wife. May God wrap His loving arms around you through the days ahead.

  32. On behalf of the Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Department at Texas A&M, we wish blessings and peace to Ms. Sharon’s family. Most of us may not have known her personally, but her love was shown to us through her sister Debe Shafer and her husband Scott.
    Sincerest Sympathy,
    The Faculty and Staff

  33. Mike, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Sharon. Susan and I are in Arlington and want you to know that we are praying for your entire fantastic family. We know she was an incredible person by the view of her obituary and the type of person I know you would have to make a family. God bless Sharon, you, and the rest of your family.
    My phone is 817-504-4354
    Your old buddy,
    Max Spencer

  34. Fly high, sweet friend. You and our good times will always be in my heart.

    My prayers are with all your family and friends.

  35. Hello Mike,

    Sheila McGee Jones from ARC/AMS I worked in customer service under Linda Bailey and Debbie Harmel. I am so sorry for you loss. Will be praying for you.

  36. Kind, thoughtful, fun, always interested in what was going on in your life and your family’s life, encouraging….. Sharon was a great example of selflessness and a life well lived. I truly enjoyed knowing her and working with her at College Hills.
    I pray God’s comfort over Mike and the family.
    God Bless,
    Karen Cooper

  37. I have many fond memories of our early friendship in College Station at A & M Consolidated and growing up in the same neighborhood with Sharon. She was truly a beautiful person through and through. I am truly sorry that she had to leave this earth all too soon.

    With Deepest Sympathy

  38. Debe and your entire family,

    I was saddened to read about the loss of your sister. She sounded so much like you!
    May all her wonderful memories surround your family during this very difficult time. Prayers for all.

  39. My Mother, Bernice Crawford and Sharon’s Mother Joyce were best friends. So we grew up as kids with the entire family. I always remember Sharon smiling and laughing and you always got a hug. She brought joy to everyone she was around. She laughed all the time. I remember eating at Sebesa Hall on TAMU campus and Lubys after Church and running into the McCandlesses. Sometimes her parents would play cards and bridge with my parents. We always ate the peanuts and lime cream pie from their snacks. We had the Leave it to beaver families. We were really lucky to have such a wonderful upbringing. I remember wedding showers with Sharon. She always dressed perfect in her dresses and high heels.. We would talk about Deborah’s tennis wins. She was full of joy. We could learn a lot from Sharon. I love you all. Patricia Crawford pfromtexas@yahoo.com

[custom_comments]
×
Accessibility Tools
hide
construction update map

Due to the construction on S College Ave our facility is only accessible via Dellwood St. Please refer to this map for reference. Dellwood St can be accessed via Cavitt Ave and Texas Ave.

For more information, please visit the Bryan, TX website.