Obituaries

Joe Burke Mitchell, Jr. (known as Jay Hawk El), 67, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home, Thursday, October 9, 2025. He was born January 12, 1958, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Joe Burke Mitchell Sr. and Mozelle Seay Mitchell.

He was a dedicated and devoted father and spent his life loving and taking care of them and taking them out for family meals. Jay received his associate degree in business management from National Business College in Martinsville, Virginia, and was a hard worker at the Bank of America where he retired in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the credit accounting manager. He passed along his great work ethics and loyalty of family and career along to his children. He loved to go for walks and watch all types of sports, especially when it involved the Cowboys football team. Most of all he enjoyed his time with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Jodi Matthews, Ashley Matthews Kidd, Christina Kinzer ( Kody); son, Joe Burke Mitchell, III; sisters, Ressie Parker (Rodney), Shannon Mitchell; brothers, Jeff Mitchell (Farana), Vincent Mitchell (Kimberly), Nicholas Mitchell; grandchildren, A’Nyshia Matthews, Amarriyah “Tink” Matthews, Brooklyn DeShazo, Ka’Mari Hairston, James Kinzer, Juniper Kinzer; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Services will be private. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the support and care shown during their time of grief.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.