Josephine Hill

The Beginning of a Beautiful Journey

Josephine M. Hill, affectionately known as “Mama Jo,” began her earthly journey on October 11, 1937, in Greensboro, N.C. She was the sixteenth child born to the late Samuel Mcgibony and Alice Roberta Walker, arriving just one minute after her beloved fraternal twin, Catherine Moore. On February 3, 2026, at the age of 88, Josephine passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth and love of the family she spent her life building.

A Life of Love and Service

In 1957, Josephine was smitten by a handsome military man, SFC Rudolph Hill, who was visiting her hometown on leave. Their union began a lifelong adventure. As a dedicated military wife, Josephine was the cornerstone of her household. Together, they raised six children: Anee Pamela Eloise, Evelyn Jeanne, Ava Maree, Rudolph Jr., Alice Roberta, and Gwendolyn Denise.

For over 30 years, Josephine served others as a Nursing Assistant at Norton Hospital. She found great joy in her work, especially since she shared that space with her best friend and namesake, Ms. Joanne Young. Upon her retirement in October 1999, Josephine stepped fully into her role as the family matriarch, holding the distinction of being the last living of 16 children.

A Legacy of Joy

Mama Jo was a beacon of light. She was known for blessing others with trinkets, greeting everyone with warm hugs, and sharing a joy that could only be described as infectious. Her presence created a ripple effect of a positive feeling of pure delight similar to the comfort the family feels when enjoying their cousin, Mama Jo’s niece, Linda Douglas’s famous pound cake.

In her later years, she found a second family at the Wilderness Road Club off Preston Highway. There, she became rooted and grounded in love, establishing deep relationships and hosting legendary birthday parties fueled by her boundless kindness. Mama Jo’s greatest mission was making everyone around her feel happy, and she was most proud of the family and friends who loved her.

Those Who Remain to Cherish Her Memory

Mama Jo is preceded in death by her devoted spouse, Rudolph Hill; her five children: Pam, Twinkle, Ava, Rudy, and Alice; and her grandson, Torell. 

She is survived by her daughter, Gwendolyn Atkinson-Sample (“Gwenie Poo Poo”); her son-in-law, Tony Murrell, and her loving daughter -nieces Linda Douglas, Winnie Moore, and Cynthia Russell; ten grandchildren: (The Twins - Tyrone Darnell Carter and Tunesha Machelle Ruccio-Brassington), Dalia Nicole Smith, Nissa Maree Smith, Kaelin Patrice Hill, Travis Lamar Carter, Zane Marcus Atkinson, Torey D’wayne Atkinson, Avai Maree Atkinson, and Arie Y’vahn Sample; seventeen great-grandchildren: Jhyel, Kennedy, Maxwell, Ronyel, Riyan, Jered, Jaden, Sophia, Sydney, Kamari, Keenan, Ava, Azarian, King, Nasjae, Nailah, and Quentin; and her great-great-granddaughter, Na’Lani. 

She also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends who became family.

Mama Jo will be greatly missed, but her smile will live on in every heart she touched.

The Visitation/Wake will be at Newcomers Funeral home

10304 Dixie Hwy. 40272

Sunday, Feb. 15th, from 5-8pm.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on:

Monday, February 16th - at Green Castle Baptist Church

4970 Murphy Ln.

Louisville, KY 40241

The pre-pass is from 9am- 10:30am (Breakfast)

The Celebration is 11am- 12:30pm

Then Travel to the Kentucky Veteran Military Cemetery

2501 N Dixie Blvd. in Radcliff, Ky. 40160 for the burial.

Family wear “White” to the funeral ❤️🙏🏽

Family Dinner afterwards TBA