JoAnn Taylor Mitchell

JoAnn Taylor Mitchell was born on July 27, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, to Doris VanNoy Roberts and George Anders Taylor. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to others.

JoAnn was preceded through life by her husband, parents and sister, Jery Ann Taylor, with whom she shared deep family roots.

On November 29, 1968, she married the love of her life, Dennis Lee Mitchell (born April 1, 1937). As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the two were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they built a family grounded in love, perseverance, and strong values. Dennis passed away on November 8, 1992, far too soon, a loss that deeply shaped JoAnn's journey yet never diminished her strength.

JoAnn was the devoted mother of four sons, Troy Gene Mitchell (Kiyomi), Travis Lee Mitchell (Lynnette), Shaun Anders Mitchell (Kathryn), and Shannon Frank Mitchell. She was a proud grandmother to Kent (Myai), Jessica (Nathan Brooks), Lucas (Courtney), Christina (Jeff Jarvis), Alex (Ashley), Nicholas (Sarah), Forrest (Jocelyn), David, Hannah ( Zach Carter), Joe, Jack, Tierra, and RaeLyn, and a loving great-grandmother to nineteen great-grandchildren. JoAnn nurtured her family with boundless love and unwavering devotion. Her guidance shaped her sons into men of integrity and compassion, a lasting testament to her strength, wisdom, and enduring influence.

Following the loss of her husband, JoAnn demonstrated remarkable courage and determination. At the age of 50, she returned to college and earned a degree in social work, embarking on a calling that would define the rest of her life. For more than three decades, she served as a steadfast social worker– a true beacon of compassion, advocacy, and support for countless individuals and families. Even in her later years, she remained actively engaged, leading weekly support groups via Zoom and continuing to touch lives until the very end.

JoAnn's life was marked by her faith, selflessness, empathy, and an unshakable belief in the dignity and worth of every person. Her tireless service transformed lives and strengthened communities, leaving a legacy that will continue to ripple outward for generations.

She left her earthly home, surrounded by family and love, on December 19, 2025, and will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the profound love she shared so freely with the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude Hospital (link: stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications/in-lieu-of-flowers.html) or Covenant House (link: https://www.covenanthouse.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-now).

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, in Idaho Falls, ID 83402. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services. Services will be broadcast live here. Burial will be at a later date.