FAYETTEVILLE
— The family of Jeanne Somerville Mitchell marks her passing on January 8, 2024, with sadness, while rejoicing in her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, person of faith, and nurse.
Born in West Memphis, Ark., April 14, 1925, to Esther Faye and Joseph Martin Somerville, Betty Jeanne joined her older brother, Edward, with whom she enjoyed a close relationship until his death in 1947, as a consequence of his service in World War II. Jeanne joined the Cadet Nurse Corps in 1943, allowing her to serve as her brother’s nurse prior to his death.
Jeanne married James A. Mitchell in 1944 in West Memphis. They were married until his death in 2007.
After the war, Jim entered the Presbyterian Ministry, and the two dedicated their lives to supporting the church in various venues and positions in Arkansas.
Jeanne and Jim also toured Arkansas for then Governor Bill Clinton as ambassadors for Special Olympics.
Jeanne was an active Elder in the Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday School, and received a Lifetime Membership in The Presbyterian Women’s Organization.
Jeanne was very proud of their children, Jeanne Mitchell Reynolds, Mary Mitchell Dunn, Joseph James Mitchell, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jeanne was a terrific nurse who became a shift supervisor of Pediatrics, Labor, and Delivery and OBGYN at The Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. She served there for 20 years, retiring with honors in 1987. She cared for Jim tirelessly during his prolonged battle with Parkinson’s.
Jeanne had a life full of great memories with her husband, family, colleagues, and friends. Her devotion put into practice Christ’s teachings of kindness, tolerance, and boundless love, building a home where all were welcome regardless of background or beliefs.
Jeanne’s presence will be missed, but her fondness for life and dedication to service will be long remembered.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, January 13, at Nelson Bernal Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. at Nelson Berna. Burial will be Tuesday, January 16, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com