Vivien Leigh Newton, 81 of Dinwiddie County VA, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023. She was born January 15, 1942, in Norlina North Carolina, to the late Vernell Norris and Velma Moss Norris.
Vivien had a fulfilling career, working at A.P. Bakery Richmond VA, Phillip Morris, Reynolds Metal. Waitressing work, secretary at Kenneth Newton’s garage Richmond VA. Worked with her husband Mark Newton to run and operate Marks Automotive Richmond VA, from 1992 to 2019. She was dedicated and passionate about her work, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with.
Vivien attended Norlina Baptist Church in Warrington North Carolina. Vivien also took piano lessons with the Norlina School teacher when she was 10. Her brother Ed Norris would also go with her. When their mother worked at the school kitchen across the street Vivien was given 50 cents a week to be in charge of the house and kids. Then with the money she earned she would take her brother Ed to the movies on the weekend. It was a small town with one traffic light and the theater.
In her free time, she loved to knit and crochet afghans and dolls and small Christmas ornaments. She shared her crafts with many friends and Family. She found solace and joy in creating beautiful pieces with her hands.
Vivien is survived by her loving husband of 37 years Mark Newton, her step daughter Michelle Newton of Florida, her son Thomas Crank of Blackstone VA, daughter Penny Crook Shanks Hillsville VA, her brother Ed Norris Chester VA, her aunt Bessie Brown of North Carolina, and granddaughters Isabella Moment, Jalissa Moment and Kiyah Rogers. She was preceded in death by her father Vernell Norris, her mother Velma Moss Norris, her sister Dorthy Ray Norris and her brother Robert Norris.
A viewing will be held on November 25, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at W. L Fields Funeral Home, located at 10814 Doyle Blvd, McKinney VA23872. A Chapel service will follow from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and graveside will take place at 2:00 pm at Newton’s Family Cemetery 5203 White Oak Rd Blackstone VA 23824. Food and Refreshments will be provided at the family home. In lieu of flowers donations to the funeral home would be appreciated.
The family would like to express their gratitude to W.L. Fields Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time. Their compassion and professionalism have been invaluable.
