Lana Mitchell

Lana Michelle Gillespie Mitchell, 56, of Charleston died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 10, 1964, in Charleston to Omagene Brinston Gillespie and the late M.C. Gillespie. On Sept. 29, 2001, Lana was united in marriage to her loving husband, Ronald Mitchell. They were happily married for 19 years.

In 1982, Lana graduated from Charleston High School. She then attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

She was a dedicated member of Perry Chapel AME Church in Charleston. Lana enjoyed her role as a Sunday school teacher. She was a stewardess of her church, a faithful fund raiser and a record keeper. She provided all the decorations for the sanctuary. Lana loved her church and working for the Lord.

She enjoyed being a supervisor at Walmart in Jackson. Lana retired after 35 years of hard work and dedication in January 2021.

Lana loved reading scriptures and event planning. She was happy when it came time to organize her family reunions. In her free time, she enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and interior designing.

In addition to her father, two brothers, Tracy Everett Gillespie and Bryan Keith Gillespie, also preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband, Ronald Mitchell of Jackson; her mother, Omagene Gillespie of Charleston; stepdaughter, Andreon Mitchell of Jefferson City; two brothers, Schuyler (Alison) Gillespie of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Gregory (Julian) Gillespie of Miami, Florida; sister, Carla Gillespie of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Lonnie Sides; three sisters-in-law, Barbara (Dennis) Swan, Kathryn (Rolland) Bruce and Larnice Hammonds; grandson, Cayden; granddaughter, Madison; two goddaughters, Alena and Lindsay; her special friends, Lori Gant, Karen Cooper and Geneva Parker; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the funeral service time Saturday at the Bowden Civic Center, 700 Sy Williams Ave., in Charleston.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the Bowden Civic Center, with Pastor Steve Betts officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery with the Williams Funeral Home of Charleston in charge of arrangements.