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






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….
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Russ Clark