Kyla King Newton

10-21-1959 to 07-26-2023

Kyla King Newton departed this life peacefully on Wednesday July 26, 2023 following several health challenges and a brief illness. “Kay”, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, was the fourth child born (October 21, 1959) to the union of Joe Curtis and Almetor King. Throughout her childhood, she attended Shiloh Presbyterian Church as well as local elementary and middle schools. She graduated from Austin-East High School then briefly attended Tennessee State University. Upon deciding that college was not for her at that time, she enlisted in the U.S. Army where she served eight years as a Communication Specialist and traveled to many countries.

When she completed her final tour of duty, she was honorably discharged and returned home where she began a career in the banking industry. Kyla began in the area of communications at First Horizon Bank. She held several positions and remained with the bank for nearly 30 years eventually becoming the Supervisor of Customer Services. Her co-workers Kim Jones, Tina Widener and Bill Rhodes were also steadfast friends who encouraged and supported her throughout her tenure with First Horizon Bank.

As a young woman Kyla gave her life to Christ and began a life of Christian service. She thoroughly enjoyed singing praises to the Lord and was involved with several choirs and ministries over the last 30 plus years. In addition, she later enrolled in several ministry courses and subsequently became an ordained minister.

Kyla was an avid basketball fan. As a proud member of the AE class of 1977, she eagerly and faithfully served as a volunteer for the annual Elston Turner Basketball Camp for youth for many years. Her favorite color was chartreuse (green). She enjoyed scrapbooking, baking, country music and collecting sports trading cards. She was even successful at getting many of those trading cards autographed by a variety of athletes.

In 2014, Kyla became reacquainted with a longtime friend of her family. This man would become the love of her life; and her devoted husband, Glenn David Newton. After dating for four years, they were married at Honey Rock Victorious Church in March of 2018. Together they continued an active life of service in church and the community. The couple was especially thankful for the ministry, guidance and support of Apostle Jerry Upton, his wife (Janice) and the Honey Rock church family. Despite the health challenges she faced in recent years, Kyla remained strong in her faith, content with her life and grateful for the love and support of her husband.

Kyla was preceded in death by all her grandparents and her father, Joe Curtis King. She leaves to cherish her memory her dedicated husband Glenn; her mother, Almetor P. King; siblings Marilyn, Joe, Nadine, Victor, Almeda, and Deondria; in-laws, Lisa and Stephanie King, Michelle King Davis, Edith Nolan, Robert, John, and Jerry Newton; three step-children, five nieces, five nephews, five Godchildren, a host of great nieces, nephews, family, relatives, classmates and friends.

Family will receive friends Thursday August 3, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Shiloh Presbyterian Church 904 Biddle Street Knoxville, TN 37914, with funeral services to follow. Rev. John Ghosten will officiate. Interment at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. Final arrangements by Jarnigan and Son Mortuary.