Jodie M. Mitchell

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness… - 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

Jodie Mae’s Life Story……..

Jodie Mae Mitchell, a true force of nature, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love, unwavering kindness, and endless laughter. Born on May 27, 1941, in Trinity Gardens, a small community in Mobile, Alabama. She was one of 6 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy and Elma Stallworth. Jodie was a spirit who embraced life with both grit and grace. 

Jodie brought light, laughter, and a fiery spirit into the world from the very beginning. She and her family didn’t have much, but they were raised to work hard, share, and make the most out of life. Jodie attended Trinity Gardens High, and later college where she graduated as a talented and passionate cosmetologist.

After college, Jodie married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, George D. Mitchell, Jr. This special union was blessed with one daughter and later the family moved to Arkansas where they were blessed with one granddaughter, and one great- granddaughter.  Jodie loved the Lord and attended church faithfully. She was a cheerful giver and enjoyed good preaching, singing and shouting. Jodie was known to be a "firecracker" who loved big and had "no quit" in her. Her fiery personality was balanced by her immense kindness and generosity toward everyone she met.

Jodie was a devoted wife to George D. Mitchell, Jr., who loved her and spoiled her endlessly. She was the heart of her family, and a helping hand to her community of Arkadelphia, AR.  A "natural-born” homemaker whose home was always filled with warmth, good food, and laughter. She was co-owner and secretary for Mitchell Funeral Home of Arkadelphia, where she supported her husband and their family business for nearly 60 years until her health began to fail.  She navigated life with a feisty spirit, always ready with a listening ear, a strong hug, and surprisingly witty advice, making her daughter, grandchildren, and friends feel deeply loved and cherished. 

She found joy in her family, fishing, cooking, singing, dancing, shopping, and her Sunday dinners, and community involvement will forever be etched into the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She lived a life filled with color, flair, and a passion for finding the perfect outfit, hat and jewelry. She believed that looking good was a form of self-respect and instilled that in her family. She was a proud mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and the heart and soul of every gathering. Jodie approached life with curiosity and courage. She left this world looking just as beautiful as she lived in it.

Preceded in death by her devoted husband, George D. Mitchell, Jr.; parents, Jimmy and Elma Stallworth; three sisters, Annie Mae Chapman, Dorothy Robinson, and Queen Brackett; two brothers, Jimmy Howard Stallworth, and Charles Stallworth. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline Mitchell Craig (Pastor Louis), of Arkadelphia, AR; cherished granddaughter, Georgina Battle of Arkadelphia, AR; cherished great-granddaughter, LiAsia Wright, of Arkadelphia, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who became family. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR from 12:00 Noon-6:00 P.M. A celebration of her life will be on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, AR where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. is Pastor and will serve as eulogist. Superintendent LeRoy Williams, pastor of Greater Tate Temple Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia, AR will serve as officiant. Mrs. Mitchell will lie in state for viewing at the church, 1 hour prior to the service. Please govern yourselves accordingly. Interment and final resting place will be at Helms Cemetery in Arkadelphia. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jodie M. Mitchell, please visit our floral store.