Sharon LuAnne Wilson Newell

Sharon LuAnne Wilson Newell of Harlingen passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. She was born September 23, 1940, in Owaneco, Illinois, to Helen and Willie D. Wilson, who preceded her in death.

The eldest of seven children, she is survived by her sisters Ruby Dell Goodly, Mary Ellen Bailie (Chuck), Willie Mae Pope, and Rita Joy Oldakowsky (John); and was preceded in death by her brothers Willie Wilson (Teri) and Martin Wilson (Donna). Sharon moved to the Rio Grande Valley as a child and graduated from Rio Hondo High School in 1959.

On October 24, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, David Newell, and shared 66 years of marriage. She is survived by her husband; their three children, Sherry Wiesman (Richard), Frontis Newell (Beth), and Suzanne Newell; five grandchildren, Nicolette Brenek (Ricky), Victoria Osborne (Jordan), Georgia Newell, Reagan Witten, and Levi Newell; and one great-grandchild, Hollee Brenek, with another expected in June.

Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who balanced raising her family while working alongside her husband at their John Deere dealerships. She was active in her church and community, enjoyed bowling, card games, time with friends, and later volunteered with Ladies for Cotton and the Rio Hondo Museum. She had a special love for family gatherings and gardening.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her loving caregivers (Edna, Tonya, Debra, Dominique, Elizabeth, Lori, and Linda) and to Gentiva Hospice Care, as well as Dr. Eduardo Uribe and Dr. Jason Peters, for their compassionate care.

Sharon will be remembered for her faith, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.