Bobby Ann Newby

Bobby was a graduate of Bullock County High School in Union Springs, Alabama. She furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan and later a master’s degree in Human Resources from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Throughout her career, she worked for United States Postal Service, Saginaw Public Schools, Red Lobster, and Covenant Healthcare. Upon completing her education, she would eventually transition into her career with the State of Michigan Talent Agency as an Unemployment Claims Examiner.

Over the years, Bobby had an opportunity to live and travel all over the country; including living abroad in Germany. In 1981, Bobby was blessed to have her eldest daughter, Timeka Newby, while living in Texas. She would eventually make her roots in Saginaw, Michigan to be closer to her siblings in the mid-1980s. In 1995, she was blessed to have her youngest daughter Keidre’Ana Christian. Bobby loved and adored her children and grandchildren which also included her special grandchild, “Tiger” (the family dog). Her loving spirit and contagious smile would always light up any room. Affectionately known by her nieces and nephews as “Auntie Bessie”, she always exhibited compassion, an open door policy, and often played the family peacemaker. Her family was her pride and joy.

Bobby departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 10, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory; two daughters: Timeka Newby of Auburn, Alabama and Keidre’Ana Christian of Saginaw, Michigan; two grandsons: Deveon Jamar Newby and Kaydon Jamal Northcutt both of Auburn, Alabama; four sisters: Susie Mae Townsend of Union Springs, Alabama, Annie Pearl (Jerry) Wilburn, Margaret Townsend, and Brenda Townsend all of Saginaw, Michigan; seven brothers: Willie (Wilma) Weems, Frazier (Katie) Townsend Jr., Willie James Townsend, Sammie (Melinda) Townsend, Richard (Beatrice) Townsend all of Saginaw, Michigan; Milton (Catherine) Townsend of Duluth, Georgia; and Stanley Jerome (Jacqueline) Townsend of Union Springs, Alabama; a very special niece who was also like a sister, Shirley (Frederick) Jackson of Saginaw, Michigan; her special friend, Lee Christian of Union Springs, Alabama; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frazier and Ethel Townsend, Sr.; one sister: Annie Will Townsend; one brother: Curtis Townsend; and two nephews: Bernard Townsend and Alberdeen Townsend.