April 7, 1919 – December 20, 2017
Jane Fox Mitchell, age 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2017. She is survived by her children Douglas of Fayetteville, Texas, Andy of Marietta, Ga., David of Fairburn, Ga., and Kathy Henderson of Marietta, Ga. as well as 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son Tommy (b. 11-19-1942, d. 2-23-1946) and her husband Duncan (b. 11-25-1915, d. 6-25-1996) with whom she was married for 56 years.
Jane was born in Pocahontas, Mississippi, moved to New Orleans, La., and when she was 5-years-old her family settled in Atlanta, Ga. She met her husband Duncan at a Methodist Youth Church function in 1939, and they were married in 1940. They raised their children in Woolsey, Ga. on a large working farm. “I learned everything I could about farming,” Jane reminisces. “We grew peaches for a while, and we had a beautiful herd of Angus cattle. I loved to look out over the fields, and at night I could see the lights of Griffin, Ga. It was a wonderful place to raise our children.” During this time, Jane worked for the Atlanta architect Robert K. Price as a master molder and model builder, her diorama of the State of Georgia is still on display at Stone Mountain Park.
When her duties of raising her family were complete, Jane began to teach herself how to paint. Thus began her second career as an accomplished artist, wood carver and crafts person. She has had showings in several galleries in Atlanta and Highlands, N.C. over the years. She began painting without formal instruction. Later she studied with well-known painters and teachers in Atlanta. She worked mostly in oils and pastels; painting portraits, landscapes and still life. She observed and studied other artists, as well as poring over a multitude of art books. Her art is treasured by many. Jane was also an avid gardener. Her flower gardens were always spectacular. She and Duncan enjoyed traveling. They were able to travel across all of the United States as well as the Canadian Rockies in a motorhome. She also traveled throughout Europe.
In 1986, Jane and Duncan realized their dream of living in Highlands, N.C. They were an integral part of this vibrant mountain community for 20 years. When Jane decided that she wanted to be closer to her family, she moved to Canterbury Court in 2006. Mamo, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was so loved and will be greatly missed by all.
The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 graveside at Oak Hill Cemetery, 797 Memorial Drive, Griffin, Ga., 30223. Inquiries may be directed to Conner-Westbury Funeral Home 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, Georgia 770-227-2300.
Please join the family and friends in honoring the life of Jane Fox Mitchell by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories.
