Eunice Rae Ennis Newkirk, 94, of Willard left this earthly life for her eternal home on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center.

She was born May 8, 1917 in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Ivey Carey and Mary Lou Wells Ennis. She was also predeceased by her husband, Benjamin Alexander Newkirk; sisters, Mary Ennis Ketner, Annie Ruth Ennis Wells and Lois E. Caldwell and brothers, Manley Carey Ennis, Deleon Wells Ennis, Eldred D. Ennis, Thomas H. Ennis and Edwin I. Ennis.

Mrs. Newkirk was a life-long, dedicated member of Wells Chapel Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for over 55 years and served in other numerous ministries as long as her health permitted. With a sincere love for the Lord and for her fellowman, Eunice was happiest when she was sharing God's love and grace with others.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Jimmy Alexander Newkirk and wife, Alison of Wrightsboro, Kalton Ray Newkirk and wife, Kathy, Lou N. Powell and husband, Charlie, all of Willard and Betty N. Lanier and husband, Rick, of Wilmington; grandchildren, Jimmy "Buddy" Newkirk, Jr. and wife, Laura, Maria N. Stanfest and husband, Scott, Cynthia N. Drew and husband, Sandy, Michael R. Newkirk and wife, Robbie, Joshua B. Newkirk and wife, Aubrey, David C. Powell and wife, Kimberly, Wesley John Baxley, Jenny Leigh Baxley and Adam Lanier and wife, Brittney; great grandchildren, Alex Newkirk, Chris Newkirk, Christian Drew, Aidan Drew, Cameron Drew, Miranda Stanfest, Brandon Stanfest, Allison Newkirk, Brenny Horton, Brayden Newkirk and Cole Newkirk; brother, Ivey Carey "I.C." Ennis and wife, Evelyn K. of Wallace; two special nieces, Dorothy Newkirk Cunningham and Diana Newkirk Morris, both of Augusta, Georgia and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday, one hour prior to the funeral service at Wells Chapel Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Wells Chapel Baptist Church with the Reverend Jimmy Johnson and the Reverend Jimmy Newkirk officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Kalton Newkirk, Joshua Newkirk, Michael Newkirk, David Powell, Wesley Baxley, Jimmy Newkirk, Jr. and Dwight Ennis.

Honorary Casketbearers will be the Winsome Sunday School Class of Wells Chapel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Baptist State Convention of NC; Eunice Newkirk Senior Adult Endowment Fund, 205 Convention Dr. Cary, NC 27511 (www.ncbapt.org) or Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

The family of Eunice Newkirk would like to thank the staff of New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care they gave to Mrs. Newkirk and family.

You may send condolences to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above. Visitation: 2:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday, January 8, 2012, one hour prior the funeral service at Wells Chapel Baptist Church.

Funeral service: 3:00 pm Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Wells Chapel Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery