THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 24, 1994 TAG: 9407220211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Allison T. Williams
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Juanita Mizelle goes beyond her job description's call of duty.
The Oakland Elementary School secretary and bookkeeper does traditional office work: answering phones, typing, filing and greeting visitors.
``But being school secretary also means being a part-time mother and nurse,'' Mizelle said.
She often interrupts office work to bandage a student's scrape or dry a nervous kindergartner's tears.
``Little people . . . need a lot of TLC,'' she said. ``Many of these children are away from their moms for the first time and sometimes need a sort of motherly image at school.''
Mizelle, 47, who has worked for the Suffolk public schools for 27 years, has been at Oakland since 1971. She spent the first four years working in the office at the now-closed Chuckatuck Middle School.
During the last 23 years, Mizelle has watched generations of families cross the threshold of Oakland Elementary. Some current students are the children of youngsters who attended Oakland early in her career.
``Sometimes a young adult will come up and ask me if I remember him,'' Mizelle said. ``It's interesting to see what they are like now as adults.''
Name: Juanita Kelly Mizelle
What brought you to Suffolk? I have been in Suffolk and the Chuckatuck area since birth.
Hometown: Chuckatuck.
Birthdate: Dec. 12, 1946.
Nickname: None.
Occupation: School secretary and bookkeeper at Oakland Elementary School.
Marital status: Single.
Children: None of my own but about 275 here at the school.
Favorite magazine: ``Cat Fancy.''
Favorite movie: ``Prince of Tides.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? ``Prescription For a Quality Relationship,'' by Dr. Allen Fay. This book gives you clear, specific strategies for turning relationship stresses into opportunities for more love and intimacy. I find this very important in today's society.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie with a special friend or group of friends.
Few people know . . . that I am sensitive and cry when I am very happy.
What's the best thing about yourself? I believe I am a good listener by not trying to inflict my opinions and beliefs on other people.
Worst habit: Procastination! I have to work on this on a daily basis.
First thing in the morning: I thank God for taking care of me during the night and ask him to help me through the day.
Pets: 10 cats.
Hobbies: Shopping and spending quality time with my friends.
Ideal vacation: Getting on a friend's sailboat and sailing in the Chesapeake Bay for a long weekend.
Worst job: None. I've been doing this type of job forever.
What achievements are you most proud of? I have had the same job for the past 27 years.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Prime Rib House in Williamsburg.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She lived one day at a time.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB