Edwina AKA "Jill" to us, was a 2nd cousin being the women who married my Mom's favorite rascally, cousin Ray, a throwback to Tom Sawyer and later in life an avid Aviator. For me at an early age she was "Aunt Jill or seemed to be as she was Mom's age. But as I grew, we settle down to JILL as she became one of my favorite cousins along with her brood of six children all living in rural Virginia. She was the epitome of a carefree, easy going, mellow, unflappable Southern  Women.  She took every thing in stride without getting upset, often declaring  with as deep sigh, "Oh Well"  as she gracefully, gently  bandaged our cuts, skinned knees or cleaned us up from all the dirt and mud we'd drag in. She loved to cook so many homemade Southern dishes  (she'd send us out - bare foot, to the back hills to pick fresh blackberry for pies of muffins) and love on us.  Jill and Ray's home was a bit of change from our life at the Jersey Shore  becoming a favorite place to visit my "Southern Cousins" where we got to run the fields, fish, swim, search for sharks teeth along the the Potomac rivers during summer visits to Colonial Beach. Then there was the long car Joy- rides to visit some of her "kin"  who really lived in the back  country. It seemed no matter where we went, Jill had family about in the area. Some of  them bonified Hillbilly types like Uncle Lashcock who met us on front porch with a shotgun until he verified we were kinfolk. Life with Jill and the crew was always full of fun, laughter and love. I miss her.

My dearest Jill, one of my "Southern", cousin from Virginia and dear lady.  I so loved coming to your house to visit and play with the rest of my beloved cousins, your children. Especially the drives we would take though the back roads of Virginia where it seemed you had relatives most every where we went.  I'm so sorry we fell out of touch through the pandemic and I had no word of your passing. However as I look at the photo of you, Ray, Mom and Aunt Pat I have above my desk I know that you are now all together as Pat joined the heavenly ranks with the rest of you yesterday, Aug. 7th.  I shall miss the good times we all  had and the unconditional love shared throughout the years.  RIP my dear. 

Jill was a sweet Lady, and will be sorely missed by all who knew & loved her, but at least she’s finally free of pain.

Jill and I enjoyed the cartoon 'The Other Coast'  whenever the eagle, 'Edwina' was featured. Not too often you see the name in anything. I will miss her wit and ability to remember all her grandchildren's and cousin's birthdays including mine.

Edwina Clary Willis Mitchell wife of deceased Raymond Harry Mitchell III   Her cousin Patti

OBITUARY

Edwina Clary Willis Mitchell

November 10, 1931 – June 29, 2021

Demaine Funeral Home

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