AMERICUS — Mrs. Grace Mitchell Southwell, age 96, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at Cheek Memorial Baptist Church, with the Rev. Rick Smith officiating. Interment was to follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family received friends between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St.

Born June 15, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Walter Mitchell and the late Nancy Spillers Mitchell. She was the oldest active member of Cheek Memorial Baptist Church. During her working career, Mrs. Southwell had been employed at Manhattan Shirt Co. where she sewed in sleeves, as a bookkeeper at Driver’s Propane, and as an admissions registrar at Americus-Sumter County Hospital. She was a member of the Dogwood Garden Club and the Journey Women’s Group at Cheek Memorial Baptist Church.

“Grandma Grace”, as she was called by her many friends especially Butch and Elaine Watts and Charles and Peggy Bonner, was a true Southern belle. She dressed every morning, jewelry and all, as if she had an important engagement. Several family members have her name. She was truly an amazing Grace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge J.W. Southwell; by her son, Johnny Southwell; by her parents; and by her brother and sisters: Oris Mitchell, Matt Rutherford, Mary Dupree, and Bea Mitchell.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Paula Dunlap Southwell; two sisters: Josephine Simpson and Jannie Burgess; granddaughters: Tammy Crumbley (Dean) and Angie S. Kauffman; great-grandchildren: Leigh Crumbley, Joseph Crumbley, Tori Batts, and Emily Kauffman; and several nieces and nephews.

For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions are suggested to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch, 5671 GA-122, Hahira, GA 31632; or to Cheek Memorial Baptist Church, 1705 Crawford Street, Americus, GA 31709.

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mrs. Grace Mitchell Southwell.