Joannie Rae Mitchell

Our beloved matriarch, Joannie Rae Mitchell, was born on January 26, 1937, in Cedar Creek, Texas, to Jeraline Thornton and Johnell Arnold.

At an early age, her family moved to Austin, Texas. As the eldest daughter, Joannie took on great responsibility. By the age of eight, she was cooking and preparing meals for the family. Though her siblings were close in age, she became their caregiver and nurturer, managing the house-hold while their mother worked tirelessly to provide.

Joannie met and married the love of her life, Edward Mitchell, before finishing high school. Their beautiful union lasted 62 years. Edward affectionately referred to Joannie as his “Sweet Baby.” Throughout his career, they were stationed in various cities before eventually settling in New York City. Edward was a devoted husband and faithful provider, and together they built a loving home that welcomed two children, Sharon Renee and Edward David Mitchell. As she had done in her youth, Joannie devoted herself to caring for her family, running the household and nurturing her children with love and strength.

Although Joannie did not initially complete high school, she later returned to her studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work — becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. She worked as a Senior Social Worker at Harlem Hospital in New York City. During the height of the crack epidemic, Joannie was a pioneering force in protecting vulnerable infants. She founded the “Boarder Babies Program,” ensuring the safety and advocacy of drug-exposed and medically fragile newborns. Her leadership and compassion were instrumental in establishing a program that became nationally recognized as a model for infant protection during one of New York City’s most challenging public health crises. She worked alongside city leadership to implement this life-changing initiative, leaving a legacy that continues to impact countless families.

After retirement, Joannie and Edward enjoyed travelling the country on road trips. All they needed was their van, an atlas and each other. They later relocated to Austin, Texas and eventually made their final home in Cincinnati, Ohio. As grandparents, they were the epi-tome of devotion. They played an active role in raising their grandchildren, embracing the responsibility with pride and joy. Joannie often said that she “had a good life,” and she truly did.

Joannie had a loving, warm personality and was unapologetically outspoken. She told it like it was, and anyone who knew her could attest to that. She loved flowers and gardening — you could always recognize her home by the beautiful blooms surrounding it, whether in a yard or on a balcony. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending events with them and even with their friends. She became not only a grandmother, but also a trusted voice of wisdom and a source of love to many.

Joannie loved the Lord Jesus Christ, with all her heart. While living in Texas, she faithfully served at New Lincoln Baptist Church, participating in ministry outreach, sing-ing in the Over 60’s Choir, teaching Sunday School, speaking at other churches and serving in the Deacons’ Wives Ministry. After relocating to Ohio, she continued her service at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Joannie often spoke about the beauty of Heaven and declared that making it there was her life’s ultimate goal. She emphasized that nothing and no one would stand in the way of that promise. Today, we are blessed with the assurance that she has reached her final destination.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted grandmother, Candice; her beloved husband, Edward; her son, Edward David; her siblings, Jean, Velma, Dorothy, Edna, Clara; and her niece, Elkedria.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Sharon Mitchell; grandchildren, Shakirah (Tim) Bradford, Latesha (Renaud) Leandre, Alex Lee, Edward Mitchell and Kaylyn Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Kiarah Garnett (her best friend and devoted caregiver), Justin, Dilynn, Jayla, Alex Jr., Aayden, Sarai, Kayden, Zayden, Jonas and

Tia; great-great-granddaughter, Demi Rae; her sister, Martha Reed; special honorary children, Crystal Reed, Susan Carter, Denise Mitchell, Virginia Mitchell, Alexander Lee and Mary Patton; honorary granddaughter, Kenyatta Stewart; and a host of loving relatives and dear friends.

Joannie Rae Mitchell’s legacy is one of strength, faith, resilience, service and unwavering love. She will forever remain in our hearts.

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