Afton Lisette Newton

August 7th, 1982 - January 11th, 2009

Afton Lisette's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Afton Lisette here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Tom & Carol,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Carol, I don't believe that we have ever met, and hope Tom remembers the little girl running around Gpa & Gma Yeider's house, that is now 51. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My mom died of an auto immune disease, that sounds much like your daughter went through. My prayers and thoughts will be with you on this day, and all of the coming days. I wish I could say it will get easier, but I can't. Just take it one day at a time. From what I heard your Afton was a very special young lady, she would want you to continue your lives, she will always be in your hearts.
Your Cousin
Kim (Roe) Kester (Harolds daughter)

Kim (Roe) Kester

Although I never met Afton in person I met her through these message boards her and I posted at and we soon became very close. We would send Christmas cards, messages to each other, and I can honestly say she was one of the gentleness, most kind hearted people I have ever met. I am deeply saddened by her loss and feel like a part of me is missing. It really hurts to know I will never get a chance to talk to her again, about our favorite books, American girl dolls, Disney world, you name it. I will never forget you Afton, ever.

Colleen Cooper

Tom and Carol,
We just want you to know how much we have treasured each moment of having Afton as our niece. She shone with joy and happiness on the outside even when she felt pain inside, and she valiently fought her illnesses to the end. Now she has achieved her greatest victory ever. Through the grace of her Savior, Jesus, she has reached eternal life, rest, and freedom from her pain. We will dearly miss her presence and her beautiful smile, but we know she sings gloriously in Heaven now, our own special angel. God gave the world a gift when He sent Afton to you, and He also gave Afton truly loving and caring parents who never left her side. We thank God and you both, too, for sharing your precious daughter with us, our own treasured gift.

We love you,
Linda and Dan

Linda and Dan

Tom and Carol - I am just so sorry you had to endure the passing of your beautiful daughter. It is not nature's way, which makes it so much harder. Speaking from personal experience of loosing my own son prematurely, I can understand a lot of what you are feeling and it is very, very, VERY hard. Stick together, lean on each other, help each other, hold hands,and know you will always have an angel on your shoulders, guiding you from heaven! I truly believe both of them are in a much better place and you will get through the grief and find peace...eventually. With deepest sympathy, Karyn Ridley

Karyn Ridley

To our dearest Uncle Tom and Aunt Carol, you know how much we love you and care for you and you will always be in our prayers.
To those of you who are reading this guestbook, we want you to know a little about the Afton we grew up with and loved. It was so very important to Afton that we would remember the good times that we had with her. We were so lucky to have her in our lives. She spent many fun Saturday afternoons with her cousins Nate and Tyler.When they were little they played Davy Crockett and the River Pirates & Uncle Tom made them a teepee in their woods where they also "hunted bears". They visited Disney World and another time went to an Alan Jackson concert. They rode ponies and learned to cook lunches. We always had a special "Cousins Christmas". Afton was talented, bright, funny, beautiful, humble, generous, brave and a faithful child of God. She always thought of others.We have so many wonderful memories of our time with her. She is always in our hearts. Thank you especailly to Uncle Tom and Aunt Carol for making so many of those memories with Afton possible.

Aunt Shelly

I got the pleasure of knowing Afton through the BSC Boards and she was such a sweet, wonderful and caring person. I always enjoyed having discussions about my favorite books wirh her and she sent me a Valentine card last year, which I still keep in my inbox. Thank you Carol and Tom, for being so sweet to our whole board and providing us with links to this guestbook and the obituary. My condolences go out to you and the rest of your family.
Afton, I will never forget you; our whole board is coming even closer together now and I know you're smiling down on all of us. Thanks for being such a great person and friend!
- Andrea (sweetvalleygirl99)

Andrea Drac

Tom and Carol - Words cannot explain how sad we are about Afton. She knew how to give words of encouragment, think positively, and motivate you to help reach your goals. Alan use to like picking on her at the shows, but Afton knew he was kidding and how to dish it back. Jennifer like to watch her ride Taboo with finesse and grace. At times like this makes us remember just how fragile life really is. May there be comfort in our friendship, hope in prayers, peace in love. Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship. Gary, Robin, Alan & Jen

The Clarks (Gary, Robn, Alan & Jennifer)

Tom and Carol,
We are so sorry for your loss. Afton blessed so many people with her sweetness and her smile. She was always polite and treated everyone with respect. We are grateful to have known her and we share your sorrow. Keep her memory in your hearts as we will. She was a role model for young and old alike. Hold on to each other and know that she is happy and in a better place. We are praying for you and are here if you need us. Love, Colleen and Bob VanWagner

Colleen and Bob

Mr. & Mrs. Newton,

We just want you to know that we will continue to keep praying for you and your family in your time of sorrow. Afton is going to be missed by so many people. I will continue to remember all the good times that we had showing our wonderful ponies when we were younger. We truly hope that you can find some comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven with Jesus where she will suffer no more. God Bless you and your family.

The Dillard Family (David, Jennifer, & Emily)

Tom and Carol, We are so sorry for your loss. Afton was such a special young lady. We have so many wonderful memories of her that we will hold in our hearts forever. You are in our prayers each day. You have a large circle of friends and family in the POA World. Oh how much fun we all had, Shane and Colin so loved to hang out with Afton and the other "big kids". She helped Shane with his homework when we were in Florida. Love to you both, The Hamptons-Susie Robert Shane and Colin.

Susie Hampton

Dear Afton, I am very sorry I did not get to e-mail you this before you went on your journey to the lord. I would like to answer you now and hope you hear this. I remember you being a sweet little girl who loved her pony. You were like the little sister Cindy and I never had. We always looked forward to traveling and seeing you and your family at the shows. I knew when I traveled by myself that I would never be lonely as long as you were coming to the show . As soon as I pulled in to the show grounds you were always right there giving me a helping hand with whatever I needed. Cindy and I always enjoyed watching you show your pony Taboo. You took showing very seriously and always did your best in the show ring. All of your hard work paid off in the high honors and accomplishments you earned during your POA career. Your winnings are too numerous to mention, but accomplishments mean nothing if you have no one to share them with and I thank you for sharing them with me as your friend for so many years. Even as we fell out of touch over the years you and your family have always been in my heart. I will forever be grateful for the Lord blessing my life with you. Nikki

Nikki Rineholt

Aunt Carol and Uncle Tom, I just wanted to let you know how much I loved Afton. I have so many amazing memories of the great times we had together since the day I was born. I remember Afton always telling me how proud she was that she got to hold me before anyone else besides Momma and Daddy. I can remember all the great times like going to Chuck E. Cheese's, trick-or-treating at Deer Forest, and spending time together at Harborfest. Afton touched so many people's lives and words can't say how proud I am to be her cousin! I always looked up to her for inspiration and will forever. I love you guys!