Martha Jane Newton

Martha Jane Newton, age 76, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024.

Martha was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and voted "wittiest" by her classmates. She graduated from the University of Memphis in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During college she was very active with political interests, and with her sorority, Sigma Kappa. The Chattanooga Times hired Martha after graduation as an editor, where she mentored with local reporter, Mary Reynolds.

Encouraged by her peers, Martha moved to Georgetown, Washington D.C. to advance her career in writing. She secured a position with the U.S. Savings Association, where she met her lifelong friend Michele Miller. The McGovern campaign recruited Martha as she was a devotee. Martha was employed by the Department of Energy as an editor/journalist within media relations for several years.

She began work as a speechwriter for the Secretary of Agriculture in the 1980s. From there Martha began a 35-year career for the USDA working within the Food and Nutrition Service promoting programs as a Public Affairs Specialist which included school meals for the underprivileged, and helping to create the food pyramid.

She raised a son and daughter and faithfully supported their education and interests. She would often travel to the beach with her family and friends and back home to Chattanooga, where she would visit with immediate family members including her niece, whom she inspired to pursue a degree in Communications. She enjoyed the rituals of eating popcorn with extra salt and butter and a diet coke at the movies, reading the Washington Post, following astrology and loving on her cats.

She silently and courageously battled Huntington's Disease. As in her life's passions, she was also tenacious in living well, spreading love and laughing despite her illness. Her unwavering kind and generous spirit touched the lives of many including those who were her caregivers. She was a favorite resident within the assisted living communities.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated, kind staff at the Health Center at Standifer Place, as well as Carris Hospice. She received exceptional care and comfort during this last transition.

She is survived by her son, John Newton Baukin, "Jack", daughter, Anna Katherine Baukin, "Katie" and her niece, Melanie Ann Newton and Melanie's spouse Christopher Spear. Martha was the daughter of the late Mervin Francis Newton and Essie Garrett Newton and sister to David Ellis Newton.

The family will hold a private memorial service in Rehoboth Beach, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America or McKamey Animal Center.

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