Marilyn Skinner Newell, March 20, 1929 - August 10,2021

Marilyn Skinner Newell of 534 Clubhouse Drive, Lake Wales, FL passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Advent Health, Lake Wales.

She was born March 20, 1929 in Rochester, NY to the late William and Mildred Skinner. She and her husband, Dr. Bruce Newell moved to Lake Wales in 1958. She was, at that time, the choir director at the Indian Lakes Estates Methodist Church, where she was a charter member.

Marilyn graduated from Duke University. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She was a life-long Duke Blue Devils fan. Marilyn was very active in many areas of life in Lake Wales. She founded and chaired the Lake Wales Art Show and the Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival. She was a member of AAUW in Lake Wales, where she served as former president and was an Education Foundation Honoree as a "Woman Who Has Made History in Lake Wales". She was a member of Lake Wales Art Council, serving twice as president and as a board member. She was selected as Pioneer of the Year in 2017-2018. Marilyn was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church participating in Sunday services, small groups and the ladies circles.

Mrs. Newell was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Bruce Newell. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Skinner Severson of Venice, FL. her sister-in-law, Jean Davis Newell of Roxboro, NC and several nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful and blessed fort the care and love that Betty McLendon gave her the last several years of Marilyn's life. Also, we are thankful for the help that Home Instead caregivers, Teresa, Vicky, Karen, Sandy and Lena gave her during the last months of her life.

A memorial service celebrating Marilyn Newell's life will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 16 N. 3rd Street, Lake Wales. Visitation with the family will be held in the Ladies Parlor of the church following the service.