Shevonda Leekole Newton

Shevonda Leekole Newton was born on September 24, 1986, to Jimmy Lee Newton and VaRita Yvette (Wilson) Newton in Denton, Texas. She transitioned to eternity on August 19, 2022, in Chandler, Arizona. She was the middle child of three children. 

Shevonda graduated from Lakeview Centennial High School. She was a salutatorian in the Class of 2005 and went on to attend Baylor University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009. She went on to enjoy a career in engineering. She was a Supplier Quality Engineer and was recently promoted to Senior Engineer at Lockheed Martin in Tucson, Arizona. 

On March 12, 2009, Shevonda married the love of her life, Michael Kenyon Erskine. The two remained united in marriage until her transition.

Shevonda loved to dance and go swimming at the lake. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her nieces and nephews - "The 9". 

She will be remembered for her loving, intelligent, driven, and soft but strong nature. She was a light and inspiration to all around her and will be missed dearly.

Shevonda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Herma Walls Wilson and Frank Wilson; paternal grandparents, Willie Lou Jean Newton "Mother" and Author Newton; and parents-in-law, Ronald Erskine and Gaylene Erskine. Those left to cherish precious memories include her husband, Michael Erskine; mother, VaRita Newton; father, Jimmy Newton (Linda Silas); sisters, Sheniqua Newton Allen (Derrick Allen) and Shetoya Newton; half-brother, Chris Rodriquez; sister-in-law, Nicole Erskine; "The 9" nieces and nephews - J'Qualyn, Zack, Jakari, Journey, Jourdyn, Emily, Jonah, Jai'lise, and Jayden; and a host of other relatives, colleagues, and friends. 

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