Warnell (Juanell) Amanda Mi
Warnell (Juanell) Amanda Mims, a beloved matriarch, civic leader, and unwavering pillar of the Rondo Community, passed away peacefully in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 11, 2025, at the age of 94. A trailblazer in business, music, and civic life, she leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, faith, and love.
In loving memory of Warnell (Juanell) Amanda Mims
Sunrise April 10, 1931 – Sunset August 11, 2025
Warnell (Juanell) Amanda Mims (née Childs), born on April 10, 1931, in St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the age of 94. She joins her heavenly community, which includes her parents, Emanual Childs, Sr., and Josephine (née Davis) Childs; her husband, David Earl Mims; her sisters, Dorene Leonard, Melissa Givens, and Christine McCray; and her sons, Keith Juan and Medcaw Earl Mims.
Warnell (Juanell) graduated from high school at 15 and was accepted to Fisk University for her undergraduate studies. After completing her freshman year, she moved to New York City with her two older sisters to deepen her understanding of fashion & design. After a year, she moved to Alabama to attend Tuskegee Institute (University), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Home Economics. While at Tuskegee, she met the love of her life, David Earl Mims. The couple married and promptly moved to his hometown of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, while David served in the Korean War. In 1954, Warnell and David migrated to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she established deep roots in the Rondo Community, raised her family, and laid the foundation of her legacy.
Warnell (Juanell) was a pillar within the Rondo Community for decades, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and social commitments. She served 25 years as the First Black Female Area Manager at Sears, Roebuck, and Co., 50 years as an active member and President of the Regalettes Social and Civic Women’s Club, and over 40 years as a Lead Choir Director at Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, where she was also the eldest surviving member of the congregation until her passing. Additionally, she served as the Relief Church Secretary at Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church and Chair of the Bereavement Kitchen Ministry for over 20 years. For 35 years, she served on the Board of Directors for Gospel Choirs United (GCU).
Those who knew Warnell (Juanell) witnessed the strength of her faith, her firm and unwavering commitment to her immediate and extended family, her joy in civic engagement, and her pride in home ownership. She was always regal, carrying herself with resilience, vitality, and vibrancy. Above all, she exuded LOVE and believed love was essential to a fulfilling life. Earlier this year, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III celebrated her 94th birthday by proclaiming in her honor, recognizing her as an “unwavering pillar of the Rondo community.”
Warnell (Juanell) is survived by her son, Davvie C. Mims (Regina) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and her daughter, Vivian Mims of St. Paul, Minnesota. Her grandchildren include Julius A. Mims, Sr., Caloynne Clay-Mims, Angelo J. Mims, Sundreya A. Mims-Patterson (Felipe), David E. Mims (LaShaye), Darrin O. Mims, Benell A. Weatherspoon, and Aria K. Weatherspoon; 13 great-grandchildren; a loving extended tribe and family; and a host of friends. Our deepest gratitude goes to beloved VIPs Roberta and Steve Hill, Kera LeSure, and Reverend Florence Conover. We all cherished her vibrant spirit, her no-nonsense approach to life, her thoughtful prayers, and her unconditional support. We love you forever, Juanell, and will honor your legacy. It’s just the beginning.
Internment: Fort Snelling Cemetery, Wednesday, September 03, 2025, at 1:45 pm. Fellowship at Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 451 West Central Ave. St. Paul, MN, will immediately follow the ceremony.