Joyce Mitchell

Joyce Marie Mitchell, age 69, of Ava since 1983 passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home with her family by her side.  Joyce was born April 11, 1952 in Portageville, MO to parents Robert and Ella Mae (Sawyer) Rankin. 
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She met and married Richard L Mitchell in July of 1971. They shared 4 beautiful children together, that they both loved and adored.

Joyce LOVED to cook for, host and serve her family. She was a teacher, she loved to cross stitch, watch her grandkids for hours on end…..there was never enough time spent with them, she always asked for more. She loved to laugh, garden, anything that got her outside, she was a faithful friend, a loving Mother, and an amazing sister to her younger brothers and sisters (she never missed an opportunity to let them know she was the oldest). She was a woman of conviction and opinion (and loved any opportunity to share it)  She loved the Lord and would do anything for anyone. She will be missed by all, but we are glad she is now free from pain. She fought long and hard and wanted to be here for her kids and grandkids, but her temporal body was tired. 

She was predeceased by: Robert & Ella Mae Rankin of Morris Illinois,  her brothers Thomas Rankin and Alan Rankin who died in infancy, Her daughters Charity Lynn Mitchell and Hope Leanne Mitchell both in infancy, her younger sister Cheryl L Rankin as well as child of the heart: Joseph T Sims.

She is survived by: Spouse: Richard L Mitchell.  Her loving children Patience M Mitchell of Ava, Mo and Jeffrey D (Grace) Mitchell of Delta Junction, Alaska.  Children of the heart: Daniel R (Christina) Sims, Lindsey C (Anthony) Dunston.  Siblings: Jerry R (Della) Rankin, Sue A (Patrick) Dolan, Virginia L Rankin, Elizabeth D (Benjamin) Ordonez, Pamela J (Sudeep) Lamichhane, & Douglas S Rankin. 
Siblings of the heart Rebecca J (John) Sims, James T (Teena) Dandurand, Joseph M (Darla) LaTour. 
Grandchildren: Isaac C Mitchell, Emily C Mitchell, Caroline K Mitchell.
Grandchildren of the heart: Matthew R Dunston, Alyvia R Dunston, Ethan J Dunston RaeAnne E Sims, William S Dunston & John DR Sims. (And countless other children who claimed her as their Mimi)
Nieces & Nephews: Tanya (Joshua) Downey, Sandra Rankin, Robert Dolan, Laura Dolan, Leticia Ordonez, Isaac (Kyley) Ordenez, Crystal (Daniel) Webb, Mathieu Aspel, Deryk (Rebekah) Rankin, Drake Devine-Rankin.
Nieces & Nephews of the heart: Katie M (Sergio) Santana, Tiffany D (Ty) Sutz, Heidi L (Aaron) Daniels, Brittany L (Ryan) Nibblett,  Joshua M (Courtney) LaTour  & Alisha A Dandurand.

To the Body of Christ: You were her family, she loved each and every one of you. Sharing her life with you was her greatest joy. To her church family at Spring Valley Christian Center she appreciated everything everyone did for her, you were all such faithful friends in her greatest times of need. Whether it was a driver to an appointment, listening ear, a hand up (you know who you are), a visit or a simple hug each one was cherished greatly by Joyce. 

To the staff of Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home, Home Care Team, Transport Team, Drivers and all who took care of her (when we know she could be ornery sometimes), and all who went above and beyond you made a difference in Joyce’s life.  She appreciated you, so very much and we the family of Joyce Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. 

A memorial service for Joyce Marie Mitchell will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 4:00 PM it will be held at at Spring Valley Christian Center at RR Box 5 Ava, Mo 65608 For directions and information on the location please visit:  springvalleychristian.com  .

Arrangements are under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at Avafamilyfuneralhome.com .