Mitchell, Joe Bowden

Joe Bowden Mitchell, 79, of Wilmington, Del., and formerly of Roanoke, Va., died on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Wilmington Hospital.

Joe attended Jacksonville University, graduating in 1951; he later attended the University of Alabama to earn a master’s in distributive arts education, graduating in 1954, and George Peabody University to earn a master’s in library science, graduating in 1961. He began his career as a teacher at Key West High School, moving to Illinois State University where he was the librarian. Joe later served as the director of the library at Radford College and Ferrum College from where he retired.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha Rhea Mitchell, of Wilmington, Del.; son, David Mitchell and his wife, Donna, of Wilmington, Del.; daughter, Julia Wilson and her husband, Dale, of Springfield, Va.; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Stephanie, Katlyn, and Andrew.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s name to The Food Bank of Delaware, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, Del. 19713 or The Salvation Army of Delaware, 400 N. Orange St., Wilmington, Del. 19801. Arrangements by McCrery Funeral Homes, 302-478-2204.