Paula Jean Mitchell, 73, of McLeansboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Fox Meadows Supportive Living in McLeansboro with family by her side.
She was born on September 16, 1953 in McLeansboro to Kenneth “K.P.” and Pearl Mitchell.
Paula was a member of Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church of McLeansboro. She previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at several different nursing homes. She also worked in the Deli Department at Food Park in McLeansboro for many years. She enjoyed baking and was known for her chocolate sheet cake and peanut brittle. Spending time with her kids and grandkids was her favorite pastime.
She is survived by her son Scott (Tina) Craddock of McLeansboro, daughter Angela (Shad) McMahon of McLeansboro, and daughter Pamela Merchant of McLeansboro; five grandchildren: Garrett (Savannah) Craddock, Cole McMahon, Shayla (C. J. Davis) McMahon, Trinity Merchant, and McKenzie Craddock; brother John (Shirley) Mitchell of Brandon, FL, sister Connie Deen of Broughton, IL, and sister Kendra (Larry “Spud”) Millenbine of Carterville, IL. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth “K.P.” and Pearl Mitchell, and her brother-in-law, Roger Deen.
Funeral services for Paula Jean Mitchell will be held on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church, 11725 Ten Mile Road, in McLeansboro with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will take place on Tuesday, October 13th, immediately following the funeral ceremony at Blooming Grove Cemetery north of McLeansboro.
In lieu flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Fox Meadows Supportive Living (New Awning Fund), 605 S. Marshall Ave, McLeansboro, IL 62859. Donations will be accepted at the service or at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro which is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
