Martha Jane Newton, USDA retiree

Martha Jane Newton, 76, of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Martha was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and voted “wittiest” by her classmates. She graduated from the University of Memphis in 1969 with a bachelor of arts in journalism. During college, she was very active with political interests, and with her sorority, Sigma Kappa. The Chattanooga Times hired Martha after graduation as an editor, where she mentored with local reporter Mary Reynolds. 

Encouraged by her peers, Martha moved to Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to advance her career in writing. The McGovern campaign immediately recruited Martha as she was a devotee. Martha was also employed by the Department of Energy as an editor/journalist within media relations for several years.

She began work as a speechwriter for the Secretary of Agriculture in the 1980s. From there, Martha started a 35-year career for the USDA, working within the Food and Nutrition Service promoting programs as a public affairs specialist, which included school meals for the underprivileged, and helping to create the food pyramid.

She silently and courageously battled Huntington’s disease. As in her life’s passions, she was also tenacious in living well, spreading love, and laughing despite her illness. Her unwavering spirit touched the lives of many, including those who were her caregivers.

She is survived by her son, John “Jack” Newton Baukin; daughter, Anna “Katie” Katherine Baukin; and her niece, Melanie Ann Newton and her spouse Christopher Spear. Martha was the daughter of the late Mervin Francis Newton and Essie Garrett Newton, and sister to David Ellis Newton. 

The family will hold a private memorial service in Rehoboth Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America; or McKamey Animal Center.