Pinkney Janiory Newell, Jr.

Pinkney Janiory “PJ” Newell, Jr., 97, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born June 21, 1925, in Chaffee, Missouri, the son of Pinkney Janiory Newell, Sr. and Sarah Altena (Crites) Newell.

PJ graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau and received a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  In 1989, he received the Alumni Merit Award from Southeast Missouri State University.

PJ served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Naval Officer.

He was united in marriage on May 26, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, to Merry Marjorie “Marge” McGee who survives at the home.

PJ was a long-time public-school teacher and administrator, retiring in 1984 as Assistant Commissioner in the Missouri Department of Education.  In 1985, he was given the Pioneer of Education award by the Missouri State Board of Education.

PJ and Marge have been members of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City since 1965 and have served in various areas.  PJ served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.  PJ and Marge moved to Jefferson City in 1965 from Farmington, MO where he served as Superintendent of Schools.

Survivors include his wife, Marge Newell, Jefferson City; three children, Merry Judith “Judy” Wylie, Jefferson City; Pinkney William (Michele) Newell, Kansas City, MO; John Keith (Debbie) Newell, Las Vegas, NV; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Marie Braswell, Mary Owensby, and Alma Haynes.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jeanie McGowan officiating.  The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home.  The link can be found on PJ’s obituary page at trimblefunerals.com.

Burial with military honors will be held at Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  trimblefunerals.com

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