Born in Knoxville, Tenn. on November 5, 1938, to W.E. and Katherine Plunkett, Barbara graduated from Tupelo High School and attended "The W" (Mississippi University for Women). She enjoyed life, family and friends while living in Mississippi, Indiana and Texas.
Barbara was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Corsicana, Texas, and then later, the Chatfield Methodist Church. She was energetically involved in her community of Chatfield, Texas, where she participated in the Navarro County Crime Stoppers, the Chatfield Community Watch program, and was a long-time voting official. She was a talented artist, painting colorful western landscapes and the beautiful horses she raised and trained for show. Her many Texas friends, who knew her as "Butch," remained dear to her as she returned to Tupelo in 2022.
Barbara is survived by her sons, John (Jock) Mitchell Jr. (Judy) of Baltimore Md. and James (Bubba) Hussey Jr. (Robin) of Phoenix and her daughter, Renee Mitchell Chisolm of Braxton, Miss. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Pruett (Bobby) of Tupelo, and her brother, Barry Plunkett (Barbara) of Jackson. She was proud of her five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John Aubrey Mitchell and their son, Michael Brooks Mitchell.
She was also preceded in death by husbands James (Jim) Hussey and Larry McVay. Her family was dear to her and she loved to share stories of wonderful family times together. Many family photos and her heart documented the importance of her family. Although the family and friends were geographically distant, their phone calls frequently connected them and brought smiles through those greatly anticipated conversations. Barbara will be remembered as a proud parent, caring sister and loyal friend. Her joy and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family expresses deep appreciation to the caring staff of The Mitchell Center and Gentiva Hospice. Special gratitude is extended to Hazel Barnes who was Barbara's devoted personal care giver when she returned to Tupelo.
A memorial service celebrating Barbara's life was held Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to Traceway Retirement Community, 2800 West Main St., Tupelo MS, 38801, or the charity of your choice.
