Joella Keough

Joella Keough was born in Springfield, KY on June 13, 1939. She was one of eleven children. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Luella Wright Keough, brothers Thomas, Alphonsus, James, and William Felix Keough. Her late sisters include Mary Ann Keough, and Nora Keough Thorne Thompson.

She was baptized, attended, and was a member at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Springfield, KY.

Joella moved to Indianapolis, IN as a teenager in the mid 1950’s. She joined St. Rita’s Catholic Church.

Her professional career began as a result of a contest, “The Artist and Model Ball”, held at the Indiana Roof. She was among the selected winners. She soon began traveling and entertained professionally.

According to lakecountymichigan.com, the “Paradise Club” in Idlewild, Michigan was the top entertainment spot in the country in the 1950s during the Jim Crow Era, for Black entertainers. It was a prominent nightclub within a resort known for hosting famous African-American performers. Often referred to as “Black Eden”, Joella, worked among such legends as Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, and Jackie Wilson. She was an entertainment pioneer, who, along with them, helped to break the color barrier. In addition, she appeared in Jet Magazine, the Feb 8th, 1962 issue.

She was married to the late Robert Mitchell.

Later, she became nationally renowned as a professional bowler. She held over 130 championship bowling trophies. Joella was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress, Indy USBC Association Hall of Fame in 1992. Her determination and discipline are her legacy.

After retiring from professional bowling, she moved to California and became a full-time Governess. She raised, and nurtured her “son” Jonathan Norburg, for many years from early childhood into adulthood. He considered her to be a second mother to him, and as a grandmother to both of his children.

Affectionately known among her nephews and nieces as “Aunt Jello”, she was quick-witted and always had a captivating story to share. She was also known to give the “look” and her opinion. She was dearly loved by all who knew her. Her larger-than-life radiance will be sorely missed.

Joella is survived by brothers Larry (Charisse), Ronnie (Mae), sisters Sarah (Lee), Rita Keough Humphries (Steve), Sisters-in-law Rhoda, Sandra, and Deborah Keough. She leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends to cherish her memory.