Judy Ann Cockrill-Newell

Mrs. Judy Ann Cockrill Newell was born January 24, 1948, in Hermitage, Tennessee to the union of Ira and Lillian (Kittrell) Cockrill. She departed this peaceful life on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

Judy accepted Christ in her life at an early age. She was currently united with Faith United Missionary Baptist Church.

Judy was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Schools. She was a graduate of Haynes High School and continued her education by attending TSU school of Nursing and completed her degree in Child Development Association at Nashville Tech.

Judy married the love of her life John Newell-May 15, 1969. This love has continued to flourish for over 54 years.

After high school, Judy worked at Rachel’s Kitchen as a short order cook while attending college in nursing. She then obtained a job at Meharry Hospital. Later, Judy started her career at Central State. While working, she continued her education by attending cosmetology school and obtaining her cosmetology license by the state of TN, she started a home daycare with three children. This was the start of her long journey in childcare. She moved from home to start Early Learning Day Care Center Inc. The center grew to hold 250 children at one time. Still thriving to educate more children, a second center was opened; Small Wonders Child Care Inc. holding 175 children. Judy finally retired after 40 years of child care.

In her spare time, she enjoyed Shopping, Traveling, Gardening and spending time with her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Judy was preceded in death: mother father, (siblings) Paschal Cockrill, Nancy Cockrill, Bernice Cockrill; grandchild, David Gordon Jr.

Those left to celebrate her memories and mourn her passing are her, husband, John Newell; children, Zenobia Newell-Gord, John Newell Jr. Grandchildren; Johnetria Newell, Chardae Gordon, Brittany Shields, Guiaya Woods, Tisheena Gordon, great-grandchildren, Arayia Collier, Zyferria Massey siblings, Linda Cockrill, Carolyn Cockrill-Paye, Ivy Lee Cockrill-Majors, Maxine (Raymond) Cockrill-Bradley, aunt, Ruth Kittrell-Bradley Devoted cousin, Nolyn Starks. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dearest of friends.