Barbara Ann Croxton Mitchell

Barbara Ann Croxton Mitchell, age 82, of Manquin, Virginia, was welcomed into God’s eternal embrace on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 20, 1942, and raised in Tappahannock, Virginia.

Barbara was a graduate of Tappahannock High School and Smithdeal-Massey Business College. She dedicated her career to serving others, working as a secretary for the State Health Department and then for Sutton, Toombs & White Law Firm, as a teacher's aide at Aylett Country Day School, and lastly as an administrative assistant in the admissions office at St. Margaret's School, where she retired. She treasured the relationships she built with students and staff.

Barbara was a devoted member of Sharon Baptist Church, helping with Vacation Bible School and serving on the nominating committee and as the nursery coordinator. She was also actively involved in her community, serving as secretary for the King William Fire Department & Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary and the Southern States Advisory Home Committee, as a board member and secretary for King's Grant School, and as a board member of Aylett Country Day School.

Some of Barbara's favorite memories included driving to high school so she could skip out during study hall to see a special someone - her future husband and the love of her life; the time she was awarded a pin for champion typist and a trophy for bowling a 257; and countless more memories made with her family. Barbara was an exceptional cook and baker known for making delicious meals and treats from scratch. She also enjoyed walking, yard work, handwork, sketching, and coloring. She spent many years on the Rappahannock River water skiing, boating, and fishing, and then took great pleasure watching her children and grandchildren have fun doing the same activities. She deeply loved talking and laughing with her family and friends. She was very proud of her children and would do anything for them.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lewis Croxton and Ruth Rowe Croxton, and three siblings, Helen Croxton Hammond, Thomas Eugene Croxton, and Robert Lewis Croxton, Jr. Remaining to cherish her memory forever are her faithful and loving husband of 63 years, James "Jim" Roney Mitchell; two children, whom she called her miracle babies, Tina Marie Mitchell (Brian) and James "Jay" Roney Mitchell, Jr. (Lisa); two grandchildren, Roland Dwain Bradshaw and Daniel Joseph Bradshaw; and her son's sweet dog, Roney.

Barbara was selflessly devoted to her family who consider her to be the epitome of a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. The love and commitment she and Jim shared for over six decades was a beautiful example of loyalty and partnership, inspiring all who knew them.

"Mom, your life was a blessing and your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and you will be missed beyond measure."

A private family memorial service will be held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor her memory can be made to King William Fire & EMS, P.O. Box 139, Aylett, VA 23009 or to Sharon Baptist Church, 901 Sharon Rd., King William, VA 23086.