Barbara Jean Mitchell, 64, of Hollywood, Florida, died in early January of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, with which she had struggled her entire adult life.

She was born August 7, 1950, in Muncie, Indiana, to Earl Mitchell and Doris Jean Conner Mitchell, the third of three children; she attended Indianapolis public schools, South Broward High School, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in social work. She worked for 40 years for the State of Florida, and at retirement two years ago she was serving as administrator of a compliance/quality unit in the Area 11 Miami Medicaid Program Office. This unit focused on disputed claims and Medicaid fraud. Barbara was devoted to her work, and a faithful supporter of animal rescue efforts, FSU and Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.

She was predeceased by her parents and her niece, Gianna Mitchell. She is survived by her siblings, Stephen E. Mitchell of Tallahassee, and Pamela L. Mitchell of Beaverton, Oregon; two nephews, James S. Jay Mitchell of Tallahassee, and Tyler M. Harris Amanda of Beaverton; stepmother Gillian H. Mitchell of MIami; cousin, Kathy Jo Carter of Frankton, Indiana; four grandnephews and nieces, Julian Murphy; and Connor, Lauren and Quinn Harris, all of Beaverton; her lifelong best friend, June Mucci of Kannapolis, NC; and her final rescued companion, Chico.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1704 Buchanan Street, Hollywood, on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in St. John’s Parish Hall. Memorials may be directed to animal rescue programs or the scholarship fund at the FSU School of Social Work.

Arrangements by Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care