Joanne Barrett-Mitchell

In Loving Memory of Eleanor Joanne Barrett Mitchell

Eleanor Joanne Barrett Mitchell, lovingly known as “Jo” to her friends and “Grammie” to her grandchildren, went to be with the Lord on March 30, 2025. Joanne, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and cherished friend, leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and kindness that will never be forgotten.

Born on April 14, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rev. Reese Holt Williams and Annie Louise Williams, Joanne spent her early years in the warmth of the South before relocating to Vancouver, Washington, in 1943. In 1949, her family, led by her father, Pastor Reese Williams, moved to Portland, Oregon, where Joanne’s deep faith and community spirit began to flourish.

Joanne attended Ogden Meadows High School and graduated from Vancouver High School in Vancouver, Washington, in 1949. She was an exceptional student and athlete and an active member of the Spanish Club and Lettergirls (track). Joanne furthered her education at West Virginia State College and Portland Community College, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and skills.

In her young adult years, Joanne pursued teaching, serving as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher and nurturing the minds of young children. While living in Institute, West Virginia, she also devoted time as a Cub Scout Den Mother and 4-H Leader.

In later years, Joanne enjoyed a fulfilling career with the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in 1994 after 21 years of service. She was honored with the United States Department of the Treasury Albert Gallatin Award for her outstanding contributions.

A woman of great faith, Joanne was deeply committed to God, her family, church, and the community. Joanne was a contributing member of the Samaritan Baptist Church in Institute, West Virginia, before becoming a member of Bethel AME Church in Portland, OR, in 1971. She loved singing in Bethel’s choirs and the PNWC Conference choirs. She played a pioneering role in establishing the Lay Organization within the Puget Sound Conference, which later became the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNWC). Joanne was awarded the PNWC Richard Allen Lay Legacy Award for her efforts, a testament to her unwavering dedication to God and His people. She held the offices of Conference Treasurer and Conference Worship Leader. She served as a delegate to the WMS Quadrennial and held several offices at the local church level. Joanne was awarded the WMS Cleo B. Love and Life Member recognition for more than 25 years of continued outstanding service.

Joanne was passionate about literature, music, and poetry.

She found comfort in the words of Helen Steiner Rice, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Edgar Allan Poe. She was recognized for her exceptional oratory skills and was frequently asked to deliver speeches by her church, family, and friends.

Joanne also loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and many places across America. She enjoyed collecting dishes and figurines from these places. In addition to travel, some of Joanne’s favorite pastimes included sewing, crocheting, bowling, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and gardening. She enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and would often share the bounty with family and friends. Joanne was also a compassionate caregiver, offering her nurturing spirit to people and animals alike.

Joanne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a woman of quiet strength, unshakable faith, and unending love for her family and community.

One of Her favorite poems, "I am somebody," encapsulated the essence of her life—one of purpose, kindness, and a profound impact on all who encountered her.

Joanne is survived by her beloved children: David Barrett (Gwen*), Roderick Barrett (Dr. Terrisita), Presiding Elder Spencer Barrett (Mary), and Brenda Ludgood (Michael*), Stepchildren: Susan Powell (Barrett), Richard Allen Jackson (Barrett), Michael Mitchell*, Michelle Mitchell, Maria Okoko Lohamba (Christian), Edgar Mitchell, Jr. (Lillie), Matthew Mitchell (Daria), as well as 10 grandchildren: Ebonee Johnson, Isaac Barrett (Mary), Jessica Barrett, Danielle Tollefson, Nicholas Barrett (Carmen), Rachael Baker (Jared), David Bell (Karen), DeJuan Bell*, Danisha Ransom (Lavorick), and Deon Bell (Stephanie); 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Michael Collier (Rose) and Reese Williams, Jr. (Roxie); and two sisters, Billie Brown and Linda McDonald (Dr. Arthur), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Barrett; her second husband, Edgar Mitchell; her parents, Rev. Reese Williams and Annie Louise Williams Collier (Arthur Collier*); her sisters, Bettye Lewis and Helen (Pat) Taylor; and her grandson, DeJuan Bell*.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that her life was a testament to love, service, and devotion. She will be greatly missed.

A Viewing for Joanne will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97229.

A Funeral and Final Viewing for Joanne will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bethel AME Church, 5828 NE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97211.

Following the Funeral will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229.