Martha Elizabeth Newton

Martha Elizabeth Buckner Newton, lovingly known to everyone as "Nanu", passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 30, 2026.

Elizabeth was born on June 27, 1925, in Union County, Tennessee. Her remarkable 101-year journey took her through many chapters and many places, but life ultimately brought her back home to live in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she raised her family and made a lifetime of memories.

To know Nanu was to love her. She had a way of making family feel like the most important thing in the world—and to her, it truly was. Her family was the joy of her life. Family gatherings and the stories shared, laughter filling the room, and simply having her loved ones close were some of her happiest moments.

She is survived by her daughter, Betty Newton Johnson, and her son, Jerry Newton (Debbie).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Thomas Newton Jr.; her children, Doris Newton Collins and Thomas Newton; her grandchildren, Angela “Angel” Collins and James Thomas Collins; her sweet Brother and sisters and her very special son-in-law, Kenneth Johnson.

She was deeply loved and adored by her grandchildren, Greg Johnson (Rose), Richard Johnson and Brandy Newton Hill (Adrian).

Her love continues through her great-grandchildren, April VanWagoner (Ryan), Josh Carter, Cory Johnson, Erik Johnson (Haley), Katrina Collins (John), Tyler Newton Hill, Dustin Worley, and Jamie Collins.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her great-great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jordan and Owen VanWagoner; Crystil Shock; Kayne Worley; Hadlee Dishner; and baby Sadie Jean Newton Hill, who is on the way.

Nanu also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know her.

Though her chair may now be empty and her voice may be missed, the love she gave to her family will continue through every generation.

Her family was her greatest joy. And she was theirs.

A special graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of her to East TN Dolly Parton's Children's Hospital and Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel is honored to serve the family of Elizabeth Newton.