Jo Dale Mistilis

Jo Dale Mistilis peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on January 13, 2026. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Mark Shoffner officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:30 at the church. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Jo Dale was born in 1937 to Joseph Pearson Slade and Ona Dale Oswalt Slade. She was Oxford through and through. Born one block from the Square, she never lived farther than a comfortable walk from that vaunted town center. She is predeceased by her husband and true partner, Angelo Mistilis. Jo Dale will be remembered for her wonderful, caring, and appreciative personality.

Jo Dale contributed in countless ways throughout the community. She was a passionate, lifelong member of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, where she served on many committees and assisted with many events. Her busy life included being an Oxford Community Theatre member, scout leader, talented published writer, friend of the public library, substitute teacher, PTA supporter, OHS athletics supporter, small business owner, mother to 4 gregarious kids, and beloved grandmother, “Muth”. She was a great encourager and, throughout the years, many in Oxford received a beautiful bouquet from her garden or delicious food from her kitchen. Friends, family, and others in need received ‘behind the scenes’ assistance with food, clothing, or a front door surprise drop-off. Her cheery smile and true interest in other people made her a fixture in the community.

She could often be found behind the cash register at the Mistilis café that she and Angelo owned. Thousands of Ole Miss students, staff, faculty, locals, and visitors dined with them for decades. Jo Dale greeted everyone and made sure they had at least one soft peppermint stick when they left.

Jo Dale is survived by her children and grandchildren: Dina Moore and her children Eli and Hunter, Joseph “Joey” Mistilis (Cathie) and their children Lauren and Matthew, Erin McKibben (Chuck) and their children Margaret and Joseph, and John Mistilis (Maggie) and their children Beau and Andy. She also survived by 6 wonderful great grandchildren and her sister, Deborah Carol “Debbie” Slade of Oxford.

A very special thank you to all the excellent care providers who worked with our mother in the last years of her life. Too many to name, you will be in our best thoughts forever. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

The family asks that any memorials for Jo Dale be given to the Oxford Lafayette County Public Library, 401 Bramlett Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 or to the Alzheimer’s Association for continuing research, www.alz.org or by calling (800) 272-3900.