Josie Newman Nelson

Josie Newman Nelson, 89, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was born on January 8, 1925 in Bogalusa, Lousiana and passed away on Friday December 12, 2014 at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge. She was a resident at The Haven At Windermere in Baton Rouge for the last ten years of her life. Josie had a Bachelors Degree in Education from Southeastern University in Hammond, LA and a Masters Degree from Louisiana State University in Special Education. She taught 4th grade at Magnolia Woods Elementary School for many years. Josie had a deep love for the arts, specifically singing and oil painting. She had a beautiful operatic voice, was a member of The Women's Club Chorus and sang in choirs at Saint James Episcopal and University Methodist churches. She was also involved in several Little Theatre productions. She was married to the love of her life, Rex Stewart Nelson for 58 years and raised two beautiful daughters. She was a loving grandmother to her three grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Lori Nelson Byrd, her son-in-law, Dr. Richard Lindsey Byrd, and her three grandchildren, Lindsey Evans Byrd, Clifton Nelson Byrd and Melissa Ashby Byrd. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Stewart Nelson, her daughter, Marti Nelson Erwin, her parents, John Newman Sr. and Waddad Haik Newman and her two brothers, Dr. John Newman Jr. and Oville Newman. The family would like to thank the staff at The Haven at Windermere, but would especially like to extend our gratitude to her family of private sitters who cared for her as if she was their own mother. There will be a graveside service for friends and family on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 3:00PM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.