Celebrating The Life of
Faithful Servant’s Journey
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 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.
(*Deceased)
Officiant
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith
Musical Prelude
The Processional
Call to Worship
Jesus said:
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.’
People: We believe in Jesus Christ, whose resurrection gives us eternal life.
Jesus said with blessed assurance: ‘In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places.’
People: Dwelling places prepared for us, children of God.
Jesus promised: ‘If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you there myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.’
People: We give thanks for the promise that when it is time for us to leave our earthly lives, Jesus carries us home to be with God.
Jesus said:
‘You know the way to the place where I am going,’ but Thomas had doubts:
People: ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’
Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.’ We gather today to celebrate life
All: and to bear witness to the resurrection. Thanks be to God!
(John 14 1-7)
Opening Hymn
Hold to God’s Unchanging Hands (Pg 513)
The Invocation
Rev. Anthony Steele
Prayer Response
Sweet Hour Of Prayer (Pg 307)
Old Testament - Psalm 23
New Testament - I Corinthians 50: 15-57
Musical Selection
A Faithful Servant’s Journey (Obituary)
Acknowledgments and Resolutions
Cherished Memories (video)
Poem ~ Home at Last Rachael Baker, Granddaughter
Reflections (2 Minutes)
Musical Selection
Eulogy
Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson
Invitation
Benediction
Recessional
Please remain in place until family exits.
After the interment, please join the family for a repast in the Fellowship Hall — a time of fellowship, reflection, and shared remembrance as we honor a life well lived and find comfort in one another’s presence.
Active Pallbearers
Isaac Barrett
Deon Bell
Nicholas Barrett
Douglas Taylor
Russell Taylor
Charles Brown, II
Honorary Pallbearers
David Bell
DeJuan Bell*
Duane Jones
Micheal Jones
Robert Lewis
Joshua McDonald
Interment
Skyline Memorial Gardens 4101 NW Skyline Dr., Portland, OR 97229
Bethel AME Church 5828 NE 8th Avenue, Portland OR 97211
WORD OF GRATITUDE
We, the family, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dear family, friends, Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, and Bethel AME Church for your prayers, cards, flowers, kind words, and comforting phone calls, text messages, and Facebook messages. Your expressions of love and sympathy continue to provide us with strength and comfort during this difficult time and in the days to come.
A special thank you to the dedicated staff at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center for the compassionate care and support you provided to Mom and our family. We are deeply thankful for the years we shared with her and, above all, for the love she gave us.
With love and appreciation, The Barrett-Mitchell Family
He will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the oldorder of things has passes away. Revelation 21:4
