Joseph Wilson Mitchell was born on April 24, 1930 to Charlie Robert and Amie (Wyche) Mitchell. He was the tenth child born to this union. Joseph was always a kind, strong and affectionate person. His nickname of Smoochie, which the family has for years pronounced as Smoocie, was given for his affectionate nature.

Joseph received his education in Northampton County Schools and after graduation he joined the United States Army. Upon leaving the Armed Services, he spent some time in New Jersey and Illinois.

In December of 1958 Joseph was joined in holy matrimony to Kathleen Johnson also of Northampton County. Joseph devoted himself to being a loving friend, partner and confidant to his equally kind and loving wife. To this union two children were born: Joseph Anthony and Anita Kay.

Joseph's caring spirit was not just reserved for his family and friends, but also for his fellow man. For much of his adult life, even until his death, he was very active and vocal in his community and church. As a young man Joseph was very active with the local branch of the NAACP. This was during a time when the Klu Klux Klan was openly lynching black people for one reason or another. His niece recalls over hearing family speak of the horrible acts of the KKK and the fear she felt. Joseph did not allow the fear or apparent danger deter him from standing up and letting his voice be heard. Joseph continued that work with the NAACP in Greensboro he had begun so long ago in Northampton County. He later became a Lifetime and Heritage Member of the NAACP. His work was not limited just to that organization, but he was also very active in the Democratic Party, AFL-CIO, Knights of Pythias, and A. Phillip Randolph Institute just to name a few.

Joseph was a kind, friendly man of his word driven by his convictions, and one to be respected. He was a social bug and the life of the party. It's said that one evening he and some friends had gone visiting some people in Vaughn, North Carolina. For those of you not familiar with this state's geography, it's located between Northampton County and Durham, just south of Littleton. The young men had been dropped off by another friend who was to return to pick them up later. Well, their trip was extended because the friend with the car never returned, so the guys had to strike out for home. Joseph knew that he had to get back home to help his father with the chores on the family farm. His determination helped him to avoid a possible homicide that night because Joseph just knew that if he hadn't made it home his father would KILL him.

Peacefully, Joseph departed this life on July 24, 2001 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.