Beverly Jean Mitchell, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on January 3, 1934, in Zanesville, Ohio, Jean was the only child of John and Ocie Cody. She graduated from Lash High School and went on to build a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and service to others.
On April 21, 1953, she married the love of her life, Forest “Mitch” Mitchell. As fellow only children, Jean and Mitch built a close-knit family together and shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. They spent many years in Michigan raising their daughters. She dedicated her time to home and family until the girls were in school then returned to a career in banking. A familiar face in the teller window.
In 1993 they retired to Florida. Where they fulfilled the dream of living in a golf course community and playing golf everyday.
Faith was the foundation of Jean’s life. She was a devoted member of Community United Methodist Church in Fruitland Park, Florida, where she sang in the church choir, attended Wednesday night Bible studies and church dinners, and found great joy in her church family. Her pastor, Mal, held a special place in her heart.
Jean lived life with energy and enthusiasm. And was known for her quick wit and matter of fact attitude. She enjoyed reading, cheering on Ohio State football, watching and playing golf. She believed in staying active and could often be found walking, riding her bicycle, or attending her weekly strength-training and Tai Chi classes. She cherished her friendships and faithfully attended her weekly Friday night dinner group and Sunday brunch gatherings after church.
Above all else, Jean was very proud of her four daughters and treasured her role as a mother, Mamaw, and Great-Mamaw. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and celebrating the milestones of each new generation.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Laura (Dale) Elliott, Melissa Scott, Michelle (Fred) Hatters, and Lisa (Sean) Kelley; her grandchildren, Christina (Brandon) Schnyder, Jennifer (Tom) Schwarz, Mitchell Kelley, Patrick (Hannah) Kelley, Lindsey Scott, Cody Scott, Emily (Sara) Dailey, Maggie (Scott) Barker, Joe Elliott, and Tori (Matt) Priebe; her great-grandchildren, Autumn (Fiancé Alex) Cannon; Bryce, Lexi, and Bella Schnyder; Norah, Cohen, and Wren Barker; and Macie Schwarz. She was awaiting the arrival of her newest great-grandson, Baby Priebe, due later this month. Jean is also survived by many dear friends and members of her church family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Mitchell; her son-in-laws, Dan Scott; Christopher Wietke. Her parents, John and Ocie Cody; and her parents-in-law, Forest and Helen Mitchell.
Jean will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in the memories she leaves behind of a long and beautiful life well lived, and in the example she set through her faith, friendship, service to others, and devotion to her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Leesburg, Florida, in October 2026. Additional details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.