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Essie Pearl Newkirk was called home on June 8, 2020.

She leaves to carry on her legacy and treasure her memories: her loving husband, George Ben Newkirk; three sons, Terry Owens (Michell) of Woodbridge, Va., Anthony Newkirk (Angela) of Houston, Texas, and Darren Newkirk (Demetria) of Carrolton, Texas; three daughters, Wanda Williams of Tylertown, Miss., Luneila Newkirk of Varnado, and Tomikia Newkirk of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters, Louvenia McKinnley of Varnado, and Algretta Owens (Russell) of Houston; four brothers, Cedrick Mark of Houston, Moses Owens (Cynthia) of Dallas, Texas, and Jethro and John Owens of Houston; three stepsisters, Dorothy Moses (Alton) of Angie, Ada Hart of Houston, and Sandra Holmes of Wharton, Texas; and one stepbrother, Tom Hart (Eva) of New Orleans. She had 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren that she adored, along with special nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Mama Pearl had a special bond with her two caregivers, Rena Pack and Darlene Wilkerson, whose care for her was nothing short of excellent. She also had a special nephew, Leslie McKinnley, who always extended a helping hand and ensured her well-being.

She was preceded in death by her father, Moses E. Owens and stepmother Alvenia Owens; her mother, Louisa Hart and stepfather Roscoe Hart; her son, Donnell Owens; her grandson, Quincy Newkirk; and her best friend, Alvena Nichols.

A drive-thru viewing will be held on Friday, June 12, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 13, at 4 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, with the Rev. Linzie Cotton officiating. Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.