Jewell Bringhurst

October 8, 1929 – August 29, 2026

Jewell Bringhurst was born in St. George, Utah, on October 8, 1929, to Arthur Printice Mitchell and Lyle Foster Mitchell. Born as Julia, her father gave her the nickname Jewell when she was a young girl, and she later had her name legally changed to Jewell. It was a fitting name because Jewell truly was a jewel to all who knew and loved her.

Jewell was born in her grandparents' home, located across the street from the Brigham Young home, and later known as the Seven Wives Inn. When she was two years old, her parents moved to the “green house on the corner,” where she lived until just a few months before her death at age 96. The home was a reflection of Jewell herself. She was known for her beautiful flowers and rose garden, and she loved inviting people inside to admire the hand-sculpted crown molding in the main room of her pioneer home.

Jewell was proud to be a fourth-generation Dixieite. Her great-grandfather Solon Foster and grandfather Charles Franklin Foster were among the original pioneer settlers of the St. George Valley, called to the cotton mission in General Conference along with 300 other men. Jewell had a deep love for her family history. She wrote and compiled many stories and histories of her ancestors and treasured the keepsakes passed down to her through the generations.

Jewell married her sweetheart, John William (Bill) Bringhurst, on November 8, 1947. On June 9, 1965, they were sealed in the St. George Temple to each other and to their children Mike, Doug, and Kaye Lynn.

Family was at the center of Jewell's life. She loved being a mother, and when her grandchildren began to arrive, she wrote in her history, “Now the fun begins!” And Jewell knew exactly how to make family life fun. She planned sleepovers, picnics, family trips, and memorable holiday celebrations. Her home was a place where family and friends were always welcomed, and many of those gatherings became treasured traditions that continue to be remembered and cherished.

Jewell and Bill also experienced deep sorrow in their family. They lost their daughter Sandi at birth, and their son Kaye Lynn lived only two days, at a time when little was understood about the complications of the Rh factor. During these difficult years, Bill and Jewell were blessed by the loving help of Jewell's mother, Lyle. Widowed in 1942, Lyle invited Jewell and Bill to live with her in 1950, shortly before Doug was born, and remained with them for the rest of her life. Bill, Jewell, and the children loved having her close.

Jewell remained lifelong friends with a close group of girlfriends, most of whom she had known since first grade. This group of twelve ladies met monthly for over 40 years to play games, share a meal, and visit. Jewell also knew all of the neighbors on her block and made a point of visiting them, often bringing her grandchildren along. She had a natural gift for caring for others and, over the years, lovingly looked after many friends as they grew older.

Jewell loved to write and enjoyed curling up with a good book at the end of the day, especially a mystery. She also loved to travel, and she and Bill nearly always brought along some of the grandchildren—or the whole family—whenever they went. For Jewell, the best adventures were the ones shared with people she loved.

Jewell was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was baptized at age eight in the St. George Temple and went on to serve in many Church callings throughout her life. She trusted the Lord to help her fulfill each responsibility and sought to serve others every day, whether through a kind word or a thoughtful deed. She had a remarkable ability to look for the “silver lining” in every situation and encouraged those around her to do the same.

Jewell's greatest legacy is the family and friendships she nurtured throughout her long and beautiful life. She is survived by Doug and Mike's wife Charlotte, as well as her grandchildren Ryan (Robin), Mitch (Kelli), Neisha (Steve), Kade (Lisa), Cami (Ryan), and Toni (Fred); 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Art (Anna Laura).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Antoinette; her beloved husband, Bill; her sons, Mike and Kaye Lynn, and daughter Sandi; and her daughter-in-law, Ellen.

Jewell leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, service, and joy. She spent her life making people feel welcome, loved, and cared for. Her home may have been the “green house on the corner,” but to generations of family and friends, it was much more than a house—it was a place where memories were made, traditions were born, and love was always waiting at the door. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 5th, from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. Funeral service will follow starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the St. George City Cemetery on Tuesday, September 8th.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign Jewell's online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com