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Ida Elizabeth Verrett Newell
Ida Elizabeth Verrett Newell, 76, of San Bernardino, CA, passed away on September 4, 2015 in Moreno Valley, CA. Born in New Orleans, LA on November 14, 1938; she was the daughter of the late Leo Sr. and Lilla Verrett and sister to the late Darryl, Gloria, the late Leo Jr., Lynn, Merlin and the late Michael Kevin.
She graduated from J. S. Clark High School, New Orleans, LA, in 1956 and married the late Cleve Newell, Jr. in 1959. They lived together in New Orleans, LA, and gave birth to their first son, Cleve III in 1960 before relocating to San Bernardino, CA. Their second son, Tyrone LaMarr, was born in 1962.
In addition to being a full-time mother, she earned her Associate Degree from San Bernardino Valley College and dedicated herself to St. Anthony School and Church where she was the President of the Parent and Teacher Association and head coach of the girls’ basketball team. Ida loved music and dancing and was an avid sports fan.
For recreation, she enjoyed bowling, watching thoroughbred horse racing and hanging out at casinos and with her dearest friends. After her sons completed college, Ida dedicated herself to community service where she was elected to the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee and worked for Catholic Charities and the City of San Bernardino.
She is survived by her sons, Cleve III of San Bernardino, CA, and Tyrone LaMarr of New York, NY; two sisters, Lynn Riley and Gloria Moore, both of Shreveport, LA; one brother, Merlin Verrett of New Orleans, LA; dearest friends Maria Wilson of Rialto, CA and Cynthia Green of San Bernardino, CA; and many other relatives and dear friends.
The Memorial Service was held on Monday, September 21 at Mark B. Shaw Mortuary, 1525 N. Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.
