Wanda New

Wanda Taylor (Blackwell) New 63, of Durham passed away on December 29, 2025, at Duke Hock Family Pavilion. Mrs. New was born in Durham on August 19, 1962, to the late Bruce Coleman and Bonnie Davis Taylor.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. New is preceded in death by her husband David Wayne New; a half-sister, Becky A. Burgess and half-brother, William L. Burgess.

Mrs. New is survived by her daughter, Crystal Blackwell Roberts and husband Kevin of Bahama, NC; grandchildren, Chloe and Dalton Roberts; half-sister, Barbara B. Jeffries; nieces, Tammy J. Rowsey, Tina J. Wilkins (Randy), Wendy J. Batten (John) and Jennifer L. Jeffries; former husband, James L. Blackwell (Cathy); partner of 18 years, Neil Clifton; as well as many loving friends and relatives.

Mrs. New retired from Roses Department Store as the stockroom manager after more than 36 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed watching NASCAR races and Hallmark movies and was especially a fan of Jeff Gordon. She was an avid UNC fan and had a special love for unicorns, Michael Bolton music, and playing putt-putt.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Greg Long.