Jewel Dean Mitchell Giustozzi

Jewel was born September 5, 1933 in Russellville, AL to Walter and Blanche (Cofield) Mitchell. Jewel had four sisters, Faye, Emma, Dottie and Shirley and one brother, Buford. The Mitchell’s were a hard working depression era family who taught their children the value of hard work, honesty and a strong belief in God in a strict, Southern Baptist tradition. This meant picking cotton, killing chickens, milking cows, tending a big garden and other daily chores such as fixing meals and cleaning house. These values shaped her for life. Jewel came to Washington DC in 1951 to work in the typing pool in the Pentagon. She later was promoted to Secretary for the Army Officer in charge of overseas deployment and worked at the FAA as well. Upon her move to Washington she moved into Slaughter’s Boarding House in DuPont Circle. This is where she met her future husband, Diano (Gus) and made many friends, some that have lasted a lifetime. Jewel and Gus were married September 4, 1954 and moved to Alexandria and into their home in December 1958, where Jewel lived out her life. Jewel decided to be a stay at home mother, returning to work while Gina was in Middle School. She worked 18 years at Fort Belvoir as an Executive Secretary in the Center for Night Vision until her retirement in 1995. During this time, she was a very traditional 1950’s wife, supporting her husband’s career, fixing delicious meals everyday for the family and being active in the PTA, Good Shepard Catholic Church, scouts and too many sports and school events to count. Jewel and Gus loved to travel. As Gus was an airline employee they enjoyed wonderful vacations to many places in the United States and Europe. Jewel loved butterflies, owls, watching the birds in the bird feeder (especially hummingbirds) and flowers. She was often found working in her flower garden and making flower arrangements for everyone to enjoy in the home. Upon retirement, Jewel and Gus continued to travel, often to Charlotte to visit Gina and her family and David in Tulsa, among other places. In 1996, they built a home in Tulsa. After the house was completed and Jewel was ready to pack up and move to the Sooner State, Gus decided they should stay “home” in Alexandria. Jewel decided to return to her Baptist roots and joined Plymouth Haven Baptist Church. They often attended Good Shepherd for Saturday evening mass followed by dinner with friends and Sunday morning Service at Plymouth Haven. Her three children, David, Paul and Gina, six grandchildren, five step grandchildren, one great grandchild and 11 step great grandchildren survive Jewel. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Tributes

Jewel Dean Mitchell Giustozzi

September 5, 1933 - July 20, 2019