Newana Shull

Newana Shull, a woman of grace, compassion, and exemplary faith, was called home on August 14, 2023. Born to James Leo & Naomi (Parker) Stevenson on February 16, 1939, in Robinson, IL, Newana's life was planted amidst strong family roots that grew into a legacy of love and faith that she would eventually pass down to her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In an early chapter of her story, she wed the love of her life, Everett Lee Shull, on the bright and blessed Christmas Eve of 1955. They soon relocated to Flat Rock, IL, where the couple fostered a nurturing home that overflowed with the sweet smells of Newana's divine brownies, peanut butter cookies, and "German Sweet Chocolate Cake", aromas that still linger in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have enjoyed them. It was no surprise when Newana's passion for cooking and baking led her to the cafeteria of Flat Rock Grade School and later Washington Grade School, where she retired as a much-loved cook.

Endearingly known for her gift of the gab and unique brand of humor, Newana's house was a beacon for her children's friends, establishing a series of "chosen family" that she took under her wing as a sort of foster children. A devoted Christian woman, Newana spent over sixty years worshipping her Lord and Savior at South Union Church, and her walk with Jesus was a lamp that guided the coming generations of her family toward the path of righteousness. Her commitment to her faith was so profound it prompted her to transition from romance novels to Christian books, and it could be said that her passion for reading birthed a reservoir of knowledge within her.

In the latter chapters of her life, she found solace in her hobbies. In addition to reading, she was known to crochet (a pastime picked up from her mother-in-law, who struggled to teach her, as Newana was left-handed!) She also loved to simply watch the birds come and go from her home, and the sight of her splendid rose bushes, black-eyed Susans, and clematises was a great source of joy for her and a testament to her penchant for beauty and order.

In the quiet hush of mourning, may our memories of Newana Shull overwhelm us with the undeniable beauty of her eternal life with God. It was a life we saw day in and day out for much of her 84 years, and we know that it is a life that will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Praise be to God!

We find peace knowing that Newana was greeted at heaven's gate by her adoring husband, Lee Shull. She was also preceded in death by her parents, James Leo & Naomi (Parker) Stevenson; by her son & daughter-in-law, James & Emma Shull; by her sister & brother-in-law, Sharon & Sam Watts; by her sister-in-law, Linda Stevenson; by her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Lawrence & Grace Shull; and by her step-great-grandson, Dalton Hall.

She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Gina & Kevin Heggie (Flat Rock, IL) and Missy & Pup Price (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren, Jessica & Steve Langholz (Mulvane, KS), Joshua & Audrey Shull (Mesa, AZ), Jeremiah & Abby Shull (Winfield, KS), and Liz Price (Robinson, IL); by her step-grandchildren, Kotah Heggie (Palestine, IL), Krystal & Randy Eddleman (Flat Rock, IL), and Karryne Heggie (Queen Creek, AZ); by her great-grandchildren, Rachael Langholz, Cecily Shull, and Medrie Shull; by her step-great-grandchildren, Alexis Hall, Donovun Heggie, Savanna Heggie, Brody Yaddow, and Emma Eddleman; by her brother, Ron Stevenson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19th, at South Union Church in rural Flat Rock. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 4:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Eric Hankins and Danny Dennis officiating. Burial will be in the Tohill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the "NOW Program", which sends supplemental food home with local students on weekends. Envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.