Dr. Kenneth Alvin Newby

Dr.Kenneth Alvin Newby,76, of Charlotte,NC entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Little Rock AME Zion Church 501 N.McDowell St. Charlotte, NC 28203. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place Monday, December 16,2019 at 12:00 noon at West Lawn Cemetery, Elizabeth City, NC.

Dr. Kenneth Newby leaves to cherish his memories: son, Kenton; daughter-in-law, Cicily; granddaughters Olivia (7) and Savannah (5) of Atlanta, GA; brothers, Richard of Charlotte, NC and Curtis (Dorothy) of Elizabeth City, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces and nephews and his beloved, Mary-Frances Winters of Charlotte, NC.

Kenneth Alvin Newby, Ph.D.

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

 Dr. Kenneth Alvin Newby transitioned peacefully just after midnight on December 8, 2019 at his home in Charlotte, NC after a three year valiant and courageous battle with cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by loved ones and supportive caregivers.

 The youngest of four brothers, Dr. Newby was born on March 22,1943 in Elizabeth City, NC to Rev. Golar and Rosa Evora (Council) Newby. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University, a Master’s Degree in Urban Education & Leadership from Catholic University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from The University of Toledo. As a lifelong learner, he later earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Regent University.

 Throughout his working career, he held positions in higher education, corporate leadership, not-for-profit and several principalships at elementary schools in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.

Dr. Newby served as a Senior Associate and Faculty Member at the National Center for Education and the Economy in Washington, DC, Senior Faculty at Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA and Adjunct Professor at Trinity College in Washington, DC and Hampton University, Hampton, VA.  He was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon Principal while serving in the Newport News, Virginia public schools. Just prior to his He retirement  in 2011 as Principal at Phyllis E. Williams Elementary School in Prince George’s County, MD,The American University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa named him Washington DC area educator of the year.

He was a man of immense faith, having been raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion  Church, where his father and brothers served as pastors. A gifted musician, he was a pianist and singer, using those talents as music minister for churches in Maryland and Virginia. Before relocating to Charlotte in 2017, he was music minister for Clinton United Methodist Church. He became a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church in 2010.  Upon moving to Charlotte in 2017, he affiliated with Little Rock AME Zion Church where he was a member of the men’s chorus.

 He approached his illness with acceptance, grace and unshaken faith. Soon after his diagnosis in 2016 he wrote:

“In spite of what the earthly doctors’ diagnosis may be, it is my Father in Heaven that is ultimately in control of life, death and my physical well-being.  In this process, I am growing in my walk with God and truly believe that He is not finished with me and my ministry here on Earth yet.”

 Instead of viewing the challenge with denial or anger, he saw this as a test that would enable him to have a stronger and richer testimony about this journey of life.

 He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, joining the men’s ensemble even after his diagnosis.  An avid traveler, he found joy in capturing God’s beauty through the lens of his camera, even earning him honorable mention in the Washington Post’s Cherry Blossom festival photography contest.

 He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and the genuine care he showed his family and friends.

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