Devora Denice Mitchell

Devora Denice Winn Mitchell passed away on February 20, 2026 in Odessa, Texas. She was born November 30, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas, to James Alton and Sharon Terry Winn.

Devora was previously married to Steve Cross, with whom she had two children: Jeremy James and Stephanie Denice. She later married Joe Mitchell in 1989 in North Platte, Nebraska. She then went on to share a loving partnership with Jeff Lajoie, who was by her side for the past 25 years.

Devora was a graduate of Wink High School, where she was active in volleyball and track, served as band drum major, and was a loyal Wink Wildcat. Her energetic spirit and outgoing personality carried through every stage of her life.

After graduating from Southwest CUNA Management School, Devora returned to Winkler County, where she lived for 63 years and devoted her life to serving her community. A proud resident of Winkler County, Devora's heart and spirit were deeply rooted in her community. She served for 37 years as CEO and President of Westex Community Credit Union, where she was known for her leadership, integrity, and dedication to helping others. She was a member of the Kermit Lions Club and the Women's Division, served on the Wink-Loving Independent School District School Board, and served on the Winkler County Hospital Board. She also served on a Texas housing board, helping support housing and community initiatives across the state.

Outside of her many professional achievements, Devora enjoyed the simple pleasures of life - reading, playing golf, and lively card games. She was a die-hard fan of "The Voice" and cop shows like NCIS, and wherever she went, laughter and warmth followed. Those who knew Devora knew her as a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman with a fierce love for her family and a heart for her community. To her friends, she was "Ralph" - witty, loyal, and full of heart. To her family, she was a source of unwavering love and encouragement. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, and her legacy of service, strength, and love will continue through all who knew her.

Devora was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sharon Winn; her sister, Jamie Winn; and her grandchild, Jake Shuler.

Those surviving to celebrate her life include her partner: Jeff Lajoie of Kermit, Texas; her son: Jeremy Cross of Odessa, Texas; her daughter, Stephanie Carson and husband Mac Carson; her stepdaughters: Teri Shuler and husband Vonzel Shuler of Wink, Texas; Carrie Asher and husband Todd Asher of Clermont, Florida; and Kelly Lajoie and wife Barbara Lajoie of San Angelo, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Dani Carson, Shaye Carson, Gage Carson, Carlie Cross, Trey Bale, Jeffery Bale, Kenzie Roland, Kennedy Kohrs, Lily Asher, and Taylor Ogelsby; and her great-grandchildren: Harper Bale, Conner Bale, and Crew Bale.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at Family Services Funeral Chapel in Kermit, TX at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, officiated by Randy Unruh. Honorary pallbearers are Jeremy Cross, Mac Carson, Gage Carson, Robert Roberts, Lee Hanna, Kenneth Arnold, Bobby Arnold, Lonny Marshall, and Kelly Creager.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Devora's memory to a charity supporting breast cancer research - a cause close to her heart.