Paulette Mitchell

(From Parker Mortuary and Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

J. Paulette (Loftis) Mitchell, 87, of Joplin, MO passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord, Jesus Christ at 10:45 PM on Saturday January 11, 2025. Her faith and her family were the two focuses of her life, and they never wavered. She was an incredible woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend.

She is survived by her loving husband and partner in life, Billy C. Mitchell of Joplin, their sons, Paul Mitchell of Lebanon, MO, Bryan Mitchell of Fate, TX, and Dr. Philip Mitchell also of Lebanon, and their wives Shellie, Deana, and Sheila, respectively. She also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; her quiver was full.

Juanita Paulette Loftis was born to O.T. and Mabel Loftis on February 9, 1937, in Spring Lake, TX. She graduated Salutatorian from Neosho High School in Neosho, MO in 1955. It was here she met Billy Mitchell and began a lifelong love affair and adventure, now on hold until they reunite eternally. Paulette Loftis became Paulette Mitchell on December 11, 1956. While raising a family, she fulfilled a promise to her father to complete her college degree and graduated from Missouri Southern State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education for English in 1981. Throughout her life -she was a teacher with a special heart for children and adolescent faith-based education and training.

After the family moved from Spring Lake, TX to Neosho, MO, Paulette was known as the “rich girl from Texas” because she had a driver’s license and drove her father’s Oldsmobile. When a relationship was established, she did her all to maintain contact with cards and letters or phone calls. Along the way, Paulette discovered her calling was to reach out to children. She spent more than 50 years as a Sunday School and Children’s Church teacher and added Good News Club outreach to neighborhood children in Mesquite, TX and Independence, MO. She also served as a volunteer from caregiver to chaplain for Compassus Hospice. When asked to go on a visit, help a client make an appointment, or assist in the office, “Paulette always showed up, was always faithful.”

At times she quilted with her mother Mabel, made acrylic grape clusters with her sister Glenna, and scrapbooked with friends. She liked playing card and board games with her grandkids, Scrabble with anyone and lighthouses. She loved lighthouses. Above all, Paulette prayed. When anyone that knew her needed someone to pray, they called her first, and she never failed to bring the need before God. She will be missed.


Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025 in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri with Pastor Kevin Prisock officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Yocum Pond Cemetery near Reeds Springs, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Paul Mitchell, Bryan Mitchell, Philip Mitchell, Tyler Mitchell, Aaron Mitchell and Chase Mitchell. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to Solace House of The Ozarks c/o the mortuary. Arrangements are under the care of Parker and Thornhill-Dillon Mortuaries.