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6507 W. Beaver Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32254


(904) 389-7790


funeralsbymckinney@gmail.com

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Sarah Ruth Newkirk Joshua


 


Service Date:   Saturday, February 18, 2017


 

Service Time:   11:00 AM 




Mrs. Sarah Ruth Newkirk- Joshua “Mama Sarah” was the third child born to her parents, Ernestine Johnson-Newkirk and Jerry Berry Newkirk, on October 25, 1950 in Jacksonville Florida. Both parents died at an early age. She was a third sibling of two sisters (Geraldine and Celethia) and two brothers (Jerry and Raymond). Her grandparents, Clarence and Ruth Johnson reared with their children, and Sarah Ruth loved them all. She clung very closely to her family and always did anything to comfort their days. After graduating from Matthew.W. Gilbert high school in 1970, she enrolled at FAMU in nursing. But when “grandma” became ill, Sarah Ruth knew her place was on Harrison Street in Jacksonville with “grandma”. Nobody would take care of “grandma” like Sarah Ruth. Sarah had a strong spiritual background where many of her days were spent in SweetField Baptist Church, singing in the choir and working with the youth programs. Sarah Ruth for seven years found employment with the Jacksonville Public Library and the first Library Opportunity Outreach Program (LOOP), created to reach children in areas where library services were sparse, especially during the summer months at the East Side Branch Library as an Aide. Later found employment at St. Vincent’s hospital and the sports rehabilitation department for 30 years and then retiring. During these seven years she gave birth to her “angel” daughter, Lakisha, the joy of her life. A few years later she met and married Alphonso Joshua, the love of her life and gained another daughter, Yolanda. Her husband was ordained as a deacon with Sarah as a deaconess by his side at King Solomon United Baptist Church. What a happy life the four of them shared 10 years before his demise. While employed at St. Vincent’s hospital, Sarah Ruth was twice awarded the St. Vincent’s Legend Award and awarded again by the staff for many other distinguished services. She was truly one of Gods angels- to all she worked with and served in her profession. She served in a genteel manner never saying “No”, offering her services and smiles- gently praying- “Dear Lord, give me the strength, knowledge, and wisdom to make “this” soul comfortable in whatever way I can. Amen.” God is truly pleased, well done good and faithful servant.

 

On February 7th, 2017, our God, with his infinite wisdom and omnipotent power ascended with his army of angels and escorted her personally to where he needed her most. She leaves loving memories with loving thoughts by many. She is survived by her daughter, Lakisha Newkikr-Kearse, (Shedrian), Yolanda Carter, (Harold); grandchildren:  Kira’Fika, Jontavious, Danyle, Amaria ; she raised as her own: Angel, Robin, Christopher; siblings: Raymond, Geraldine (Kenneth), Celethia; nieces: Stephanie, Lashawn, Eureka, Kizzy, Raymond Jr., Tiffany, Brandi; greatgrands: A’nahjae, Dewane, Macsten; In addition, numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and Lil’ One will forever cherish fond memories of our beloved Mama Sarah.  

“She is and Forever Will Be”