Grace New Obituary

Grace Robinson New was born April 16, 1925 – July 2, 2025
In celebration of a long remarkable life, we honor the memory of Grace Robinson New, who passed away peacefully in Lubbock, Texas, on July 2, 2025 just months after joyfully celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family from near and far.
Grace was born at home on a ranch in Castro County, Texas, on April 16, 1925, the youngest of four children born to E.R. and May Robinson. She often reminisced about her childhood in the country- riding her horse to school, finding hidden corners to read for hours, and growing up in a world that shaped her independent spirit and lifelong love of learning.
She graduated from Canyon High School in 1942 and went on to earn her degree from Texas Women's University in 1945. With World War II still underway, Grace headed to Dallas and began breaking barriers. She established the Dallas News Bureau for WBAP radio, becoming known as the first female radio and television news reporter in the Southwest- and possible the entire country. Her sharp mind, tenacity, and natural storytelling earned her the nickname "Scoops", and she left a legacy that helped pave the way for women in journalism.
While living in Dallas, Grace met the love of her life, a charismatic law student named Warren Paul New. They married in Denton, Texas, in 1947 and began their journey together. In 1949, while expecting their first child, Grace and Paul moved to Denver City, Texas, where Paul opened his first law practice in the waiting room of Optometrist Dr. Bryl Hearne, next to the Palace Drug Store on Main Street. It was there they began to build both a family and a home.
Grace and Paul had four children- Barry, Warren, Amy, and Robin- and though they briefly lived in Lubbock (where Robin was born) while Paul worked for the law firm Crenshaw, Dupree and Milam they soon returned to Denver City, where Grace would live for the next 65 years.
In addition to raising her family, Grace poured herself into her community. She was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, served on the Yoakum County Historical Commission, participated in the Tejas Study Club, and was a charter member of the Denver City Heritage Museum. Her passion for Jesus, history, learning, and civic involvement left a deep and lasting impression on the town she loved.
Grace was a gifted storyteller, a fiercely intelligent woman, a pioneer woman of God, and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her humor, warmth, and endless curiosity touched everyone she met.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Barry and Lily Ann New of Plano, Texas; Warren and Pamela New of Denver City, Texas; Amy and David Black of Abilene, Texas; Robin and Ted Hatfield of Norcross, Georgia. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Paul New; her parents, E.R. and May Robinson; her brothers, J.B. and Joe Robinson; her sister Ruth Gourley, and great grandchild, Luca Gold Gifford.
The family also wishes to thank the staff at Carillon House and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care of Grace during her final days.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Graveside services will take place at Denver City Memorial Cemetery on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at the Denver City Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Denver City Methodist Church, the Denver City Heritage Museum or to your favorite charity, in honor of Grace's generous and lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.
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