Dornetta Newland, 79, of Taylorsville, N.C., went home to her heavenly father on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, N.C. She was born on January 21, 1947, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Robert L. Newland Sr. and Addie Elizabeth Brawley Newland.
Dornetta was a former member of New Zion Baptist Church, where she was especially active in her young adult years. She loved the Lord deeply and carried His Word in her heart. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived out daily through her kindness, humility, and unwavering generosity toward others. She had an intellectual spirit with a beautifully creative soul.
Artistic and gifted in so many ways, Dornetta possessed talents she often kept quietly tucked away. She had a remarkable God-given ability to sketch portraits and draw anything, capturing the essence and detail of everything around her. She also enjoyed interior decorating and was an exceptional seamstress. Another precious gift she carried was her natural ability to play the piano. Without any formal training, she could sit at the piano and play by ear, much like her grandmother, Lena, who shared that same musical gift.
Dornetta was a proud 1964 graduate of the former Happy Plains High School, where she earned numerous academic honors and was also recognized for her basketball skills. Her strong work ethic carried throughout her life. She spent much of her career in the furniture industry, dedicating herself faithfully to her work. She also worked at ACIC, where she helped manufacture computer chips, a position she truly enjoyed. Later in life, never losing her desire to grow and serve others, she attended Catawba Valley Technical Institute and earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant, continuing her legacy of care and compassion.
Above all, Dornetta was a humble and giving soul who poured into others, even while facing her own personal challenges. Her quiet strength, deep faith, and loving heart will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to know her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Quintin M. Newland, whom she cherished and loved more than life itself. Also surviving are two sisters, Linda Newland-Lackey and Elizabeth Jeannette Newland-Williams; three nephews, Anthony E. Lackey, John R. Lackey Jr .and Robert L. Newland III, and two nieces, Akia J. Newland Rose (Mark) and Jemelle N. Williams; a great niece, Amaiya Rose; a great nephew, Jalen Rose; a godson, Bobby Paitel; a former sister-in-law, Carolyn Featherston; her caregiver and friend, Susan Justice, and Helen Chestnut, her dearest and faithful friend, and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert (Jab) L. Newland Jr.; a niece, Robin L. Lackey; a niece-in-law, Misty Lackey; and her paternal and maternal grandparents, Onie and Bob Newland, and Lena Brawley and Frank Little; and a great grandmother, Bessie Brawley, and many aunts and uncles.
The homegoing service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor William Little will officiate and Pastor Sterling Howard will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Hwy 90 East of Taylorsville.
The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service.
Pallbearers include Robert Lyss Newland III, Terry S. Lackey, Leon Mayberry, James Campbell, Mark Poole, and Craig Childers. The classmates of Happy Plains School will serve as flower bearers.
Condolences may be made to www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Dornetta Newland.