Joyce C. Mitchell

MITCHELL, Joyce C.
(Age 87)

Passed away October 6, 2011 at Rockwood Manor South in Spokane, WA.

Joyce, an Irish lass, was born in the family cottage in the village of Moneymore, Northern Ireland on September 5, 1924. Parents, Eva and Robert Cummings, raised Joyce in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1941. On a rainy day on the Boardwalk, she met her first husband, Carroll L. Smith, when he gave her cuts while she was waiting in a long line. They were married in Spokane, WA in 1946, as she has resided there since. In 1970 she married her second husband, W.E. Mitchell, Jr. Together they traveled world wide extensively and were involved in restoration of vintage cars. She worked various secretarial jobs for physicians, Spokane and Eastern Bank and St. Stephens Episcopal Church. Joyce served on the board for the Junior League of Spokane. Travel, gardening and people were her hobbies. A real people person, just the mention of any social function made her Irish eyes light up.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; and one brother, Ernie Cummings.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Kevin (Cathy) Smith, Spokane; Barry (Debbie) Smith, Spokane; daughter, Stacey (Jim) Streeter, Roberts, MT; stepson, John (Jeanette) Mitchell; brother, Ray Cummings, Blufton, South Carolina; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Rockwood Manor South Community Center on Thursday, October 13th at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Gratitude goes out to her very special friend, Len Foster; her granddaughter, Laura Smith and her caregivers at Rockwood.

"When Irish eyes are smiling, sure, 'tis like morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away."