Joan Mitchell

Joan Mitchell (née Andrews) passed away on June 23, 2018, after an extended illness, at the age of 75. 

Joan was born on February 21, 1943 in New Brockton, Alabama, to the late Ridgeway and Thelma Andrews. She attended public school in New Brockton, left Alabama in her late teens, and worked a variety of jobs across the Northeast. Joan moved to New York City around 1970 and, shortly thereafter, met her future husband, Prince Mitchell. The two married in December 1974. To this union one son was born, Michael.

She retired in the early 2000s, after spending over 25 years, with Immigration and Naturalization Services (currently known as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – USCIS).  She began as a filing clerk and rose through the ranks to become an Immigration Services Officer where she was responsible for granting, or denying, requests for legal residency status. 

Despite not living in her hometown in over 50 years, Joan was always a consistent supporter of her family church, Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Joan was preceded into heaven by 4 sisters – Mary Lois, Audrey, Gracie, Mary Nell; 2 brothers – O.D. and Bob; and 2 brothers-in-law - Melvin Butler Jr. and William Merritt.  She also was preceded by her beloved husband of 40 years, Prince, who passed in 2015. 

Joan leaves behind a son, Michael; a sister, Qubie Rowe (Ulysses); a mother-in-law, Sara Marie Mitchell Butler;  three brothers-in-law, Elder Jefferson Butler Sr. (Shirley), Ronald Butler Sr. (Esther); Eugene Butler (Teresa) and two sisters-in-law, Elder Sarah Butler Merritt and Juanita Andrews.
Joan will also be remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Mitchell, please visit our floral store.