Josephine Abernathy Newbill, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many passed away in Nashville, TN on November 5, 2026, at the age of 100, just three weeks shy of her 101st birthday. She was born on November 29, 1925, in Greenfield, TN.
Josephine was a graduate of Greenfield High School in 1943 and of the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1946 where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with a minor in Nutrition as well as a Smith Hughes degree in Teaching. A college course in Aeronautics qualified her to teach the subject to students preparing to enter the war.
She began her career as a nutritionist conducting research in the Bio-Chemistry Department at Vanderbilt University.
She then married Robert Lees Newbill on August 21, 1949. and they had two children, David J. Newbill and Jane E. Condurelis.
Josephine continued her career as a 5th and 6th grade Science and Health teacher with Metropolitan Davidson County Schools, teaching for more than 25 years and earning the distinction of Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
She was an active member of Crievewood United Methodist Church, the Builder's Sunday School Class, and the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. Josephine shared an abundant life of faith, and friendship. Her church friends were like family to her and their bonds will never be broken.
Her most recent move to Cloverland Park Senior Living in April 2025 was a true blessing. The entire administration, staff, nurses, caretakers and all the residents at Cloverland Park loved her well. She felt at home and thrived beautifully. She truly enjoyed every day.
Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lees Newbill, on June 29, 1991 and her parents, Auvern and Glennie Abernathy.
She is survived by her two children: David J. Newbill (Susan) of Greenfield, TN and Jane E. Condurelis (Frank) of Nashville, TN. Three Grandchildren: Jamie A. Burton (Chris) of Franklin, TN, Frank David Condurelis (Kristin) of Nashville, TN and Sarah Beth Childress (Dustin) of Greenfield, TN, and seven Great Grandchildren: Grace Ann, Harper Jane, and Ty Wilkins Burton, Evelyn Cate and her namesake Amelia Josephine Condurelis, and Carlee Page Lane and Reese Rose Childress.
A graveside service for immediate family will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
A memorial service will be held November 22nd at 2:00pm at Crievewood United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN with the Reverend John Hill officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be given to Crievewood United Methodist Church at 451 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220. Or to St Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.
