Delta State University mourns the loss of Emily Annette Newman, a beloved instructor in the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing (RESSON), who passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 71. In honor of her memory, the University flag will fly at half-staff through sunset on Sunday, December 22
Emily was a cherished member of the Delta State community and dedicated her life to education and nursing. Born in 1953, she graduated from Greenville High School and pursued higher education at Clarke College and Union University. Her passion for learning and service led her to Delta State, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2010 and was recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and the RESSON Hall of Fame. She continued her education, earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Liberty University, which enabled her to inspire future nurses as an instructor.
Emily’s impact extended beyond the classroom. She worked full-time at Delta State as District Director of the Mississippi Delta Area Health Education Center, Instructor of Nursing, and Simulation Lab Coordinator. Since 2020, Emily continued to serve as an adjunct instructor teaching and mentoring RN to BSN students. Her contributions were recognized with the Connected Educator award in both 2013 and 2019 for her innovative use of technology to enhance learning. Emily’s legacy will endure through the lives she touched, both in and out of the classroom.
Funeral services will be held at Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Water Valley on December 21, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM and the service at 1:00 PM. Please click here for additional information.
Emily’s dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to nursing education will be remembered always by her Delta State family. Please join us in celebrating her extraordinary life and keeping her loved ones in your thoughts.
Her influence was deeply felt by Delta State colleagues:
Ms. Debbie Allen, Instructor Emeritus of Nursing “My heart aches for the loss of Emily Newman. She was a very special friend and colleague who truly loved being a nurse and was passionate about shaping the future of nursing with her generosity and compassion for teaching. Her nursing students were drawn to her smile, support, wisdom, and patience from the very beginning. She gave more of herself than anyone will ever realize. She will be deeply missed by so many.”
This Nurse’s Prayer reminds me of Emily:
Give me strength and wisdom when others need my touch;
A soothing word to speak to them, their hearts yearn for so much.
Give me joy and laughter, to lift a weary soul;
Pour in me compassion to make the broken whole.
Give me gentle healing hands for those placed in my care;
A blessing to those who need me, this is a nurse’s prayer. (Unknown)
Dr. Vicki Bingham, Dean, School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences “Emily was a dynamic faculty member who made a positive impact on many nursing students. Because she cared about the students and the nursing profession, Emily devoted much of her time to teaching, full-time and as an adjunct, at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. My heart is sad and heavy! She will be greatly missed by me and the faculty/staff of the nursing school.”
Ms. Holly Haney, Senior Secretary, School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences “Emily Newman was the perfect blend of wisdom, humor, and warmth. As a teacher, she guided with grace, and as a friend, she offered unwavering support and plenty of humor. Her kindness, encouragement, and compassion made her someone you could always count on, both in and out of the classroom. Her presence brightened every moment, and she will be greatly missed.”
Ms. Judy Haney, Senior Secretary Emeritus, RESSON “Emily Newman was a dear friend. She came in to talk about nursing school and a book by Max Lucado fell out of her bag. He’s one of my favorite authors and I was hooked. She always thought of others…to the point of always gathering “stuff”! But never to keep for herself…always to give away! But the irons in her fires just never played out so she could give that “stuff” away. And she had lots of fires with lots of irons. I’m thankful for the chance I have had to know and love her. What a difference she made in nursing from ministering to the prisoner to teaching the smartest students we had. What a legacy she leaves.”
Ms. Teresa Chandler Haynes, Former Part-Time Instructor, RESSON “There was only one Emily in this world, and she made all of us feel incredibly special! As a friend and co-worker, if you knew her, you couldn’t help but love her. As a clinical instructor, she cared deeply for her students and their future patients. If you came unprepared, she’d ensure you were on track by the end of the day because she genuinely cared. Emily was a confidante, encourager, selfless giver, and motivator. She leaves a hole that no one else can fill. My girls will miss Auntie Em, and I will miss my dear friend.”
Dr. Addie Herrod, Chair of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and Associate Professor “In our new reality, Emily’s vibrant presence will truly be missed, her memories cherished, and for so many reasons, I am forever grateful that our paths crossed.”
Dr. Donna Hill, Former Assistant Professor of Nursing “A neighbor, a friend, a workmate… There was no role that made Emily stand out more than another. She was always the same. Always smiling, always positive, always willing to help. She was funny. Especially when she’d make the mannequin scream and scare the students. Never a dull moment. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Emily will be remembered always by many whom she touched. She encouraged us all to strive for our goals. Her life was a testimony of determination, endurance, and perseverance. Emily loved big. She will be missed dearly.”
Dr. Katherine Hughes, Associate Professor of Nursing “I was deeply saddened to hear of Emily Newman’s passing. She was a kind and loving person to work with and a joy to know.”
Dr. Shelby Polk, Former Associate Professor of Nursing and Chair of Nursing “Emily and I worked together at the School of Nursing for many years. From our first meeting to our last conversation, she was always the same caring, consistent person. She loved teaching and was thrilled to see students not only learning but applying their knowledge in clinical settings. More than a teacher, Emily was a true friend. She will be missed, and her memories will be cherished.”
Ms. Nakikke Wallace, Sorority and Fraternity Program Manager, University Services “An angel has been welcomed home. Ms. Emily was the sweetest person—always smiling and offering wise advice. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family, friends, and the DSU family.”
In addition to impacting Delta State faculty and staff, the tributes below highlight the difference she made and will continue to make in the lives of her students:
Ms. Karlee Avery, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2021 “RIP to one of the greatest clinical instructors Delta State ever had to offer. From preaching the truth to encouraging the BSN class of 2021 through their Junior 1 semester fundamentals checkoffs, she did it all. She always had solid advice with real-world answers. We may not have always understood or liked it at the time, but the wisdom and knowledge she shared with us will be remembered always. I was so thankful for all she taught me as a terrified nursing student back then but even more so now going into my third year of nursing. May I always remember her sense of humor and her ability to laugh even in the most serious situations.”
Ms. Meagan Griffin, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2021 “I remember the days of sitting in her office while making my schedules and preparing for nursing school. She kept every planner she ever owned in her office which were all filled with notes/to-do lists. To this day, I too hold on to all of my planners which are filled with notes/to-do lists. I have her to thank for that. Rest in peace, Ms. Newman.”
Ms. Hannah Higdon, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2023 “To spend your life devoting your time, compassion, and heart to caring for others as well as teaching future nurses says a lot about a person. Thank you for making sure our uniforms were perfect and sharing your stories! RESSON will not be the same.”
Ms. Taylor Saia Hodges, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2015 “By far, she was my favorite instructor in nursing school! She was one of a kind and will surely be missed by so many.”
Ms. Kadraya Johnson, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2021 “What an amazing woman. To know her was to love her! I’m so blessed to have learned from her. I would not be the nurse I am today without her guidance, her support, and her impact. Every patient I care, every life I save, and every heart I touch will be in remembrance of her.”
Ms. Skylar Kuehn, MSN, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2018 “Ms. Newman was an educator with heart; her passion for nursing education was only surpassed by her love for her students. I was blessed to learn from her, and I am praying for her family and the DSU RESSON family.”
Ms. Carrie Cope Melton, MSN, RESSON Class of 2009 “She was such an encouragement to me as a new teacher at RESSON! Always welcoming with a smile. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family and everyone who loved her dearly.”
Mr. Kole Mullens, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2021 “What an amazing person and teacher. Ms. Newman played a big role in my college career. She always was there to listen to my problems, encourage me and offer words of wisdom when it mattered most. Thank you for everything my friend, rest easy!”
Ms. Sarah Nash, LPN and Mayo Clinic in Minnesota “I have no words for this. Ms. Emily Newman was there for me from day one of college and ever since. She always encouraged me to be my best and to be myself. I will always remember her and all the laughs we shared. I love you, Ms. Emily!”
Ms. Olivia Oakes, BSN, RN, RESSON Class of 2021 “Ms. Newman was someone who lit up a room with her bright smile. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not smiling. She was an integral part of my education at RESSON, and I will forever be grateful for her.”
Taylor Treece, BSN, RN RESSON Class of 2019 “Mrs. Newman was not just an educator; she was a guiding light during some of the most challenging times of my nursing school journey. Her unwavering support and encouragement made a world of difference for me and for so many others.
Whenever I faced a tough situation, Mrs. Newman was always there, ready to lend a listening ear or offer wide advice. Her belief in my potential inspired me to push through my doubts and fears, reminding me that I was capable of achieving my dreams. The lessons I learned from her extended far beyond the classroom; she taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and doubts and fears, reminding me that I was capable of achieving my dreams. The lessons I learned from her extended far beyond the classroom; she taught me the profound impact we can have on our patients’ lives.
I am deeply grateful for the moments we shared, the knowledge she imparted, and the countless ways she uplifted me. Mrs. Newman will always hold a special place in my heart, and her legacy will live on through the countless nurses she inspired.”
