Joeann Willoughby Mitchell

Watkinsville - JoeAnn Willoughby Mitchell, 63, after a five and a half year battle with colon cancer, died peacefully January 1, 2006 in her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Oconee County she was the daughter of the late James and Clara Harris Willoughby.
After graduating from Ed Stroud School in 1961, and after completing the St. Maryís Hospital Nursing Aid program, she began her 42 years of service to St. Maryís Hospital as a nursing technician in labor and delivery from the Milledge Avenue location to its current location. In 2003 the hospital celebrated her 40 years of service and in June of 2005 the newborn nursery was named in her honor becoming the JoeAnn Mitchell Newborn Nursery.
As a member of Bethel Baptist Church, JoeAnn had an important part of the early church. She was active in many parts of the church; director and teacher for Vacation Bible School and decorating and arranging flowers for the church.
She was also active in the Watkinsville community having served on the Oconee County Library Board to currently serving on the board for the Oconee County Health Department.
Survivors include her daughter, Laura Ann Mitchell of Watkinsville; sisters, Sarah Willoughby of Watkinsville and Pearlie Edwards of Athens; aunts, Dora Jones of Watkinsville and Pearlie Littlejohn of Indianapolis, IN along with a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 11AM at Lord & Stephens West Chapel with Rev. Terry A. Willoughby officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Stroud School, Class of 1961. Burial will be private.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Oconee County Relay For Life.
Lord & Stephens, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.