Janet Lee Mitcheltree

Janet Lee Woodard Mitcheltree, 66, of Hampton, passed away on April 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted husband of 49 years and her three beloved children.

Janet was born on May 23, 1959, in Hampton, Virginia. She was the daughter of John Lee and Frances Jernigan Woodard of Spring Hope. She was a proud member of the first graduating class of Phoebus High School in 1977.

Shortly after graduation, Janet married her childhood sweetheart, Robert Craig Mitcheltree. Their love story began when Janet was just 13 years old. While looking through a Thorpe Junior High yearbook, she saw Craig’s picture and confidently declared that he was the man she would marry. Five adventurous years later, on July 23, 1977, that promise became a lifelong reality.

Together, Janet and Craig built a life centered on love and family. They briefly lived in Spring Hope, North Carolina, where they welcomed their first child, Leann. After returning to Virginia, they welcomed their son Joseph, and a few years later, their daughter Allison was born, completing their family.

Janet’s children were her entire world, and her joy only grew as her family expanded. Leann and her husband Scott blessed Janet with three grandsons: David (Bee), Jonathan, and Matthew.

Her son Joe and his wife Amber welcomed Lyla Marie. Allison and her husband, Joseph Riley, carried on the tradition of marrying a childhood sweetheart and brought Gracen and Hadley into the family. Janet treasured her role as “Nina,” and her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Janet dedicated nearly 33 years of service to Hampton City Schools. She began her career at Smith Elementary before returning to her roots at Phoebus High School. After several years as a Phantom, she jokingly referred to her move to Hampton High School as “the ultimate betrayal,” where she became a proud Crabber. She concluded her career at the Adult Learning Center, a place she often said was exactly where she was meant to be. Throughout her career, Janet touched countless lives with her kindness, humor, and unwavering support.

A faithful member of Phoebus United Methodist Church, Janet found comfort, strength, and community in her church, especially during her illness.

Janet will be remembered for her deep love of family, her quick wit, her warm and welcoming spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. She found joy in the simple moments—time spent with her grandchildren, laughter around the table, and the enduring love she shared with her husband Craig. Her legacy is one of devotion, service, and unconditional love.

Janet is survived by her sister, Debbie Woodard; niece, Katie; her husband, Chuck, and their daughter, Sabrina. In addition, Janet’s memory will be cherished by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Lee and Frances Woodard, and her nephew, John Wayne Donaldson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Phoebus United Methodist Church, with Pastor Leah McGlynn officiating. The service will be live streamed on the church Facebook page.

Memorial donations in Janet’s memory may be made to your local animal shelter.