Ruby Jo Mitchell

Ruby Jo Mitchell, 83, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, and was formerly a member of Gault Avenue Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and G.A.'s and was a member of the choir. She was the retired president of Mitchell Oil Co. Mrs. Mitchell was the first woman to be named as a consignee-agent by Esso (now Exxon) in 1965 after the death of her husband, and she thus became an early female business pioneer in Fort Payne. She continued in the business well into her 70s, when Mitchell Oil was sold in 2006. Mrs. Mitchell was a charter member and former president of Landmarks of DeKalb, later serving as treasurer. She was named Miss DeKalb in 1947, and in her later years honored as a Rotary Rose. She was a member of the board of directors for Fort Payne Bank/Amsouth. An avid traveler, Mrs. Mitchell visited 30 countries on six different continents. Jo was a loving wife, devoted mother and faithful friend and she always had a smile on her face. She will forever be remembered for her kind, loving and generous spirit.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with Dr. Pat McFadden and Dr. Mike Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or Gault Avenue Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sons, Bill Mitchell and wife Karen, Mike Mitchell and wife Sharon, both of Fort Payne, and Brad Mitchell of Alpine, Ala.; sister, Burma Lou Coker of Fort Payne; grandchildren, Jonathan (Brandy) Mitchell, Jennifer (Andrew) Holloway, John (Cindy) Leffingwell, Joey (Holly) Mitchell, Laura Beth (Robert) Gable, Daniel Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, "Brub" Mitchell.
Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; online guestbook, www.wilsonfhinc.com.