of Lamar, AR

May 20, 1936 - January 27, 2026

Joanne Lola (Russo) Mitchell, 89, of Lamar, Arkansas, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the Johnson County Health and Rehabilitation Center after several months of illness. She was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 20, 1936, to Peter and Genevieve (Brice) Russo who predeceased her. She graduated from Evanston High School and studied nursing at Andrews University in Michigan.

She married Earl Noodel and had two sons, Scott and Chris. She later married Albert Wilson and had her third son, Sean. In 1970, she married Joseph D. (JD) Mitchell to whom she was married for 55 years before his passing on August 12, 2025.

Joanne and JD lived in Waukegan, Illinois for many years where she was an executive secretary at Saint Therese Hospital. After a few years, she joined Baxter Corporation (American Hospital Supply), initially as a secretary, but moved to the IT department when the personal computer was introduced into the company in the 1970s. Joanne travelled all over the country visiting company office sites and training employees on the latest technology - personal computers (PCs) and company software. For years, they visited JD's family in Russellville, Arkansas and eventually purchased some land in Lamar that would later become their retirement home, affectionately referred to as the 'Double J Acres.' After moving to Arkansas, Joanne then worked part-time for Taylor Oil in Russellville for several years before fully retiring.

Joanne had a strong faith and truly followed Christ's example of extending love, kindness, and grace to others, even blessing those in the nursing home where she spent her last year of life. She was a member of the Waukegan Seventh Day Adventist Church in Illinois and became an active member of the Russellville Seventh Day Adventist Church in Arkansas, where she served as church treasurer for many years.

Joanne was also an animal lover. Growing up in northern Illinois, she learned to ride and jump horses during the summers of her high school years. She raised several dogs
During her lifetime, most recently her precious chihuahua named Joy, and, alongside JD, managed a clowder of outdoor feral cats that they inherited one day after their first year in the Double J Acres.

Left to cherish her memory, Joanne is survived by her three sons, Scott Wilson & spouse (Bart Reynolds) of Manzanita, OR. Chris Wilson of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Sean Wilson & spouse (Diana) of Willowbrook, IL. And her bonus/stepdaughters, Kathy Mitchell-Wales of Cedar Hill, TN and Lisa Mitchell- Johnson of Garland, TX.

She additionally leaves behind seven grandsons, Bryce Wilson and Nikolai Ostendorp, Travis Sall, Shane Mitchell, David Branson, Roman Bell, Jordan Bell. As well as sisters-in-laws, Michele Russo and Annie Russo, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents and her husband, JD, Joanne was preceded in death by her younger brothers, John Russo and Richard Russo.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a future date when the weather improves. Please check back here in one month for updates. Contributions in memory of Joanne Mitchell may be made to Russellville Seventh Day Adventist Church at 511 E Aspen Ln, Russellville, AR 72802.

Arrangements under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville, Arkansas.

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