Lauren Newman

lauren newman

March 4, 1945 ~ April 30, 2026

Lauren Phelps Newman, 81, beloved teacher and cherished mother, died peacefully on April 30, 2026. Born on March 4, 1945, in Danville, Kentucky, to the late  W.H. “Doc” and Mary “Tommie” Phelps Owens. She was a dedicated UK fan, spent her career nurturing young minds at Bate Middle School and served as the cheerleading coach at Danville High School. Lauren’s family remembers her as a vibrant spirit who loved spending her days at Keeneland, playing golf, soaking up the sun by the pool with friends, playing Bridge, singing in the choir, enjoying Friday night dinners with her Danville Country Club friends, and her special Thursday night pot-luck gatherings at “Newmie’s place.

Lauren held a Master’s Degree with a Rank 1 certification in education and was known for her passionate commitment to her students and her engaging teaching style. Beyond her academic contributions, she was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, leaving an indelible mark on those she encountered.

She is survived by her son, Alex Newman (Elisabeth); her brother, William “Bill” Owens; and her beloved grandchildren, Macensie and Jackson Newman. She was a loving aunt to Michael (Maggie) and Kevin Owens, and a proud great-aunt to Oliver and Charlotte.

Lovingly, she had a big personality and a love for singing, bringing warmth and energy to those around her. Family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend the funeral service at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at First Christian Church with Rev Colby Smith officiating. The service will followed by a reception where guests may gather with the family, share memories, and pay their respects. A separate visitation will not be held.

The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at Bellevue Cemetery. Pallbearers Tony Carney, Micheal Owens, Kevin Owens, Jackson Newman, Isaiah Fallen, and Luke Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be E. G. Plummer, Tammi Trzop, Sue Rodman, Margaret Glen Farthing, Ann Rightmyer, Terri Binford, Warren & Janet Nash, Nancy Ketelhohn, Felicia Day, Janet Scott, Janette Barbour, Brielle Perque and Rachel King.

Services

Funeral Service: May 7, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

First Christian Church Disciples of Christ
555 East Lexington Avenue
Danville, KY 40422


Receiving of Friends: May 7, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

First Christian Church Disciples of Christ
555 East Lexington Avenue
Danville, KY 40422


Graveside Service: May 8, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bellevue Cemetery
277 N 1st St
Danville, KY 40422


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Lauren Newman 's name.

Danville-Boyle Co. Humane Society

PO Box 487

Danville,

KY

40423

www.dbchs.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I’m going to miss my friend Newmie! I actually gave her that nickname back in 1993 when I was a new teacher at Bate, and it stuck as did our friendship even after she retired in 2002?? We ate many meal together at the old Reno’s, at the current Red Rooster, trivia at Mi Pueblo, and there were a few ice cream trips to Dairy Queen as well along with a few other dinner spots!

    We watched several movies at the Danville Cinemas 8 where she would always close her eyes if it got too violent or scary and then say – What did I miss?! :). We attended some UK games together over the years too.

    She was always a hoot to be around, and brought levity to almost any situation. I will always remember her, and miss my friend….

  2. Mrs Newman was one of my teachers and I will always remember her quote she used ALL the time! “You gotta be dumber than a box of rocks to not pass my class!”

  3. What a blessing she was to four generations of my family. We kept loving her through the decades, and felt it was incredibly special to be loved by her. I was fortunate to teach on the Bate 6th grade team with her. She was a special mentor. She also made me laugh many times throughout each day. That was her. Always a bundle of joy! I’m glad it hasn’t been too long since I saw her. She will hold a special place in my heart forever.

  4. Loved Miss Lauren and love for life and kids…she had a spitfire attitude and spunkyness about her that was such a joy…prayers for all of her family and friends…🙏💕🙏

  5. I loved my friend, Lauren. We first met while working at Bate Middle School. She then invited me to her Thursday night gatherings. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I am going to miss her so much.
    I am praying for her family, which she loved so much and was so proud of. We will see her again one day and will rejoice being reunited.

  6. As a young child I could remember being so excited to visit Ms. Newman , her mother and father while my grandfather (Henry) did their landscaping for many years.They were always so kind and loving towards my family and I. As I got older I would occasionally visit and ask Ms. Newman if she needed anything. The last time I visited her I was sorry to hear she had fell and had to have surgery. We prayed together and I gave her my number and told her to call anytime she needed to. So glad we had a good time. Prayers to the family. She was a wonderful lady.

  7. She was one of my favorite teachers! She encouraged me not to drop out of school so she bought the work to my house and went over it with me! She will definitely be missed

  8. Heaven gained an angel we were blessed to have on earth😇.To this day, this lady is still my favorite teacher ever! Ms. Newman touched so many lives of the youth in Danville, including my own. She brought a true energy and creativity to education that was like no other. I remember looking forward to being in her presence because it was a great feeling, but reflecting as an adult I realize it was much more! Thank you for your impact in education and cheerleading experience! I will forever remember you and hold you in a special place in my heart. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Alex and the family during this time 🙏🏽

  9. Lauren was unique in the best way. She loved sports, had her own sense of humor and once you knew her, you had a friend. I appreciated her love for Danville High School and Danville sports. I loved having her son, Alex, in youth group at First Christian Church. Her brother, Bill, is so kind. Lauren touched so many lives in various ways during her life and especially during her teaching. Rest In Peace.

  10. I wasn’t lucky enough to be on Ms. Newman’s side of the hall at Bate, but I was lucky enough to be friends with Alex. I got to spend time with her after school and during the summers. Some of my fondest memories were hanging out and watching The Young & The Restless. Ms. Newman was always incredibly nice to me. Whenever I came home to visit over the years, she would always stop to chat with me when we ran into each other.

    While she was never directly one of my teachers, she was an amazing one that cared about her students long after they left school.

    She was a Rock Star and will be greatly missed. My condolences and prayers go out to Alex and all of her family.

    God Bless.

  11. Lauren was my cherished Childhood friend We spent much time together and I loved her so Dearly My sister Jane and I always visited Lauren when I was In Danville My deepest sympathies to her family Linda Huffman Halfar

  12. Ms. Lauren was a wonderful woman. She loved her family so much. Every time I would see her she would ask about my children. She was full of SPUNK and had a heart of GOLD. I will forever love her! I would always give her a kiss on the forehead when I left, like she was my own grandmother. We will miss you

  13. Ms Newman was the best Social studies teacher that I ever had at BCMS she was interacting the lessons and helped outside of the classroom I’m going to miss her

  14. Ms. Newman made my middle school days happy. I always knew she would crack at least one joke. She was so kind.

  15. Mrs. Newman was the greatest teacher, she has a way of making you feel seen, heard, and understood. She would push you to do your best and give you support when she seen you struggling. I had her in many teaching roles as my 6th grade social studies teacher, as my summer school teacher and as a homebound teacher. I remember going to the salon to get my hair done in which she paid for it and then went to get ice cream afterwards it’s one of my most cherished memories. She had love for all of her students and made learning fun. She had crossed my mind last week a memory of her riding around town in her red drop top and her big smile.

  16. Mrs. Newman was one of those teachers that really cared. Made sure you would pass her class. She really Made social studies interesting and class was fun so we would want to be involved in class. Thank you for being that teacher we needed. Prayers for your family in this time of need.

  17. Ms. Newman was one of a kind. She could be so stearn and so funny a the same time. I can remember her jumping me over the littlest thing, and in the same week consoling me like a dotting grandmother. I also remember her horror, but steady hand, head, and heart as we all sat in a sixth grade class to watch the first teacher in space…. and the explosion that changed it all. In later years, she and Sue just became a source of great joy for me with their ever unapproving smiles. Whatever I was doing wrong they thought I was doing it right, and vice versa I guess. She will be missed. Cheers, Ms. Newman.

  18. Alex, think about you old friend! Im so sorry for your loss of your great mother! I wish I could be there m, but I am battling cancer right now, but I have kept you in my prayers! Sending my deepest condolences!
    Russ Clark

  19. What a wonderful, fun gal that always had a smile on her face! She will be missed by many!

  20. I first met Newmie through my husband at Bate Middle School and we would work the academic team’s silent auction every year. She was such a joy to be around and will be truly missed!


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