Alberta Lena (Newkirk) Layman

Alberta Newkirk Layman, born, on April 20, 1923, died Monday, August 29, 2022, at her residence. Throughout her life, Alberta knew much pain and disappointment. She worked hard and she suffered loss: Her mother, father, four sisters, and two brothers, and in the last year, she endured much in her illness. But she was also blessed with a loving heart, blessed with enduring love, with three sisters, a niece she reared as her daughter and one brother who saw her grow into a child of God. Someone he could be proud of and, she was blessed with nieces and nephews and by the witness of many very faithful people who helped build in her faith to face her own death. Alberta walks now in the newness of life.

Romans 6: 3-4, we were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Today we call to remembrance your loving kindness and tender mercy with your servant Alberta Newkirk Layman. We thank you for all of your goodness, which allowed her to enjoy a life full of love with a certain satisfaction. We thank you for Alberta's loving life as well as the aged years. We thank you for giving her the satisfaction of her lifetime of work as a nurse and the reward of service to others, such as the love she gave to children and to the elderly. We are thankful for her laughter and her deep love of the family’s children, her generosity to any in need, and for giving her many treasured gifts. A family whom she loved and carried that love to the Lord. We shared in that love which was a blessing. Alberta received many certificates during her stay on earth. She received a plaque from the State Connection of the Eastern Star, a certificate of appreciation for Outstanding Support in the Annual Miss O.K.S. Contest, Detroit 14-a certificate from Middle District Detroit Baptist Association for accepting the Leadership in Training Ushers, also Teaching Bible Studies.  A Nursing Certificate from the Hospital School of Nursing in Michigan, many others in training and teaching in Lewis B. College in Michigan. We are very thankful for the memory of Alberta. Let the memory of her life strengthen our faith, hope, and love. Give us the grace to return to our homes with courage and be able to further serve with patience and devotion through Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the Life. Mrs. Layman was elected President of The Ushers Authority of First Baptist Church of Rose Hill, NC, where she established membership upon moving from Detroit, MI, where she was a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church. Served as an Usher and Church Nurse, also a Sunday school teacher as well a Counselor for youth Church.

Reflecting on the word using James 1:2-4, our values determine our evaluations; if we value comfort more than character then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to “count it all joy”, if we live only for the present and forget the future, the trials will make us bitter, not better, if you cannot rejoice in your trials, your values are wrong. When you come out of a trial and still have faith, it confirms that you are really a believer because we are tested by our faith. As I close today I would like to leave this saying with you. It’s good to be a Christian and know it, but it is better to be a Christian and show it. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another. John 13:35.  As the hymn goes “Love Lifted Me, When Nothing Else Could Help, Love Lifter Me.” I thank you.-Dedicated to my family.

Alberta leaves to cherish her memory one Goddaughter: Amanda Henry, and special nieces: Selena N. Corbett; Florence Newkirk; Tempie H. Smith, and a special nephew: Donnie Hayes. 

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 03, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Garland from 1:00-6:00 PM. 

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 04, 2022, at First Baptist in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Family Cemetery in Ivanhoe, NC. The Rev. Dr. Corzell Henry will be officiating the service. 

Services are provided by Carter Funeral Home of Garland. www.carterfh.com

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