Willow Mae Mitchell

Willow (Billie) Mae Mitchell-Hooker was born March 18, 1933 to loving parents Jannie and Asa Turner Featherstone, Sr. in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up in a loving, family oriented home that was located in the east end of Columbus. It was a time when the village raised the children. Morals and values were extremely important and implemented. She also grew up at a time when civil rights were unknown to blacks, not only in Columbus, Ohio but all over the United States. The Great Depression also took place during her life time. Because of a loving family and close community relationships the family grew stronger and prospered in more ways than financially. It was a Christian Home.

Willow (Billie) was a loving mother to not only her own children, but also other children in the neighborhood. They came to her for advice, safety and support when they could not find it in their own homes. She was everyone’s Mom. Throughout the years Billie always provided for her children and wanted only the best for them. She instilled the importance of family life and of taking care of the communities in which they lived. She worked various jobs as a beautician, cook, and waitress. She volunteered for numerous community groups and activities. When she moved north to the Linden McKinley area she became very active in the Greater Linden Area Community, beginning with Linden Pride, Be Concerned Parents and played a big part in the St. Stephen’s Community Center being housed where it is today. She also helped plan and implement the Linden Community memorial located at the corner of 17th and Cleveland Avenues.

Willow was preceded in death by Parents Jannie and Asa T. Featherstone; Husbands: Charles A. Mitchell, Sr. and Raeford E. Hooker and Sisters: Anna Ruth Poindexter and Shirley Dean Butts and Son-in-law Elisha Jones, III. Left to cherish her memory, daughters Crystal Jones’; Cynthia (Derrick) Ward and Alysia Underwood, sons Charles (Paulette) Mitchell, Jr.; Raeford Mitchell; Martin Mitchell; William Hooker and Ralph Carter, brother Asa T. (Karen) Featherstone Jr.; sister Maxine Stephens and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
On Saturday, March 12, 2011 Willow (Billie) Mae Mitchell-Hooker went home to be with the father. The world is missing another angel, mother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Gone but never forgotten as she lives on in our hearts, thoughts and many wonderful memories.