Sue Newcombe

Sue Newcombe, 91, passed away on August 11, 2022, in Austin, TX.

“My hero, my mom, has gone home to her Father, who she loved and trusted unconditionally all her life, and to be with the love of her life, my dad.  She graciously agreed to move to Austin in May of 2020, the middle of Covid-19, to Solstice Independent Senior Living.  At Solstice, a short five minutes away from me, she made some great friends and happily involved herself in many activities.  She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Solstice, something she told me every week, to my great relief.  It was so wonderful for us to be able to spend good, quality time together during this stage of her life.  She never hung up the phone with me without telling me she loved and appreciated me, and I never left her apartment without telling her how much I loved her, so we were very blessed to have each other.  Although it was hard to get out and join a church during her early time in Austin, because of Covid-19, we gave thanks over some Krispy Kremes every Sunday, a new tradition for us, but in full keeping with being Baptist.”

“Below is the obituary she wrote before she even left Abilene, so when she passed things would be easier for me.  Typical, thoughtful Sue. I have added a few additional details”

Sue was born in Electra, TX to W.E. and Evelyn Latham on January 7, 1931.  Most of her early years were spent in, or around, Vernon, TX.  She graduated from Vernon High School. (She was valedictorian and did not think that very important but I certainly did! She was also the only girl to take physics.)  She later graduated from North Texas State College in 1952 with a degree in Medical Technology.  She was employed at Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, working in the lab for many years.  Sue married David Newcombe on September 2, 1953, in Vernon, TX.  They made their home in Abilene most of their married life.  The most important thing in David and Sue’s life was the birth of their daughter, Nancy.

David and Sue were very active in Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.  She taught Sunday School for many years and David served as a deacon.  They took part in mission trips to Japan and Australia.  Travel was an important part of the life of David and Sue, and they had many happy memories of trips to interesting and faraway places.

Sue was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women, Taylor County Adult Education Council, and Friends of the Library.  She was a volunteer at Hospice of the Big Country, and in adult education for AISD for many years.  David and Sue also loved being a part of the State Street Y Family.

Sue was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her husband David.

Sue is survived by her daughter Nancy, and two sisters, Ann Halcomb of Lake Lydia, TX and Ruth Corros of Pasadena, TX.

There will be an informal, happy remembrance of a life well lived, with coffee, pastries, and gospel, on Monday, August 15, 2022, from 9:30 – 11:00 am at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Please feel free to stop by to share memories and stories of Sue with Nancy.  In accordance with Sue’s wishes, there will be no viewing.

A brief graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US-277 South, with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating.  All that wish to attend are welcome to do so.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local animal rescue organization, your local food bank, or to Planned Parenthood, as those would be Sue’s preferred areas of charitable interest.