Joan Marsh Mitchell

Joan Marsh Mitchell, age 87 of Paris, TN, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. 

Joan was born in Cambridge, England, daughter of the late Jack and Maisie Marsh. She grew up in a charming British neighborhood with her sister and close family relatives where she developed a love of animals, music, and brilliant sense of humor. In the spring of 1957, she met an American Air Force serviceman from Sparta TN, Charles Mitchell.  They were married July 10,1958, and shortly thereafter moved to the United States. She remained a proud British citizen while making a home in the United States. The family settled in Waverly TN, for nearly 50 years before Joan and Charlie finally moved to Paris TN, which they called home for the last 15 years. Remarkably, she never lost her British accent. Besides raising her boys, Joan’s working career included various roles at CONALCO and Global Lagging. Throughout her life she was passionate about raising her family, encouraging education and a strong work ethic, caring for her numerous pets and animals, and being a loving spouse to Charles.

Besides her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Edna Shadrick; and close friend Frances Hughey. Survivors include her husband Charles Mitchell; her three sons, Hugh Moore (Cindy) Mitchell, Stephen Robb (Maurie Ann) Mitchell, and Michael Shawn (Tina) Mitchell; 12 grandchildren, Rebekah (Bill) Robinson, Charles (Jessica) Mitchell, Justin (Jennifer) Mitchell, Grant (Jasmine) Mitchell, Grace Mitchell, Garrett Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Alex (Lauren) Thurman, Brittany (Daniel) Smiley, Brianna (Nathan) Williamson, and Briley (Lucas) Johnson; 11 great-grandchildren; three nieces; her caregiver, Kim Hayes and extended family in England, Ray (Clair) Coe, Natalie (Dave) Harrison, Melissa Coe and special friend Bam Barker. 

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  The body is to be cremated with a private service to be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to any local animal shelter.