Associate Oceilee Mitchell-Ajagunna

Oceilee Mitchell-Ajagunna, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, has been an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph for most of her adult life. She joined the community when she was 23 while working as a PRN receptionist at Nazareth Living Center, where her mother, Rose Mitchell, and sister, Carolee Mitchell, also worked. (Carolee is still at Nazareth and has been for over 30 years!) It was Sister Grace Marie Rahn who encouraged Oceilee to consider becoming an Associate, setting everything in motion so seamlessly that Oceilee believed God was truly at work. Nine months later, she had her initial commitment in the old chapel alongside a group celebrating their 25th anniversary as associates.

Oceilee has been married to Akintola David Ajagunna for almost 12 years, with their anniversary on October 6th. They have two children, Stella Ajagunna, 8 years old, and Sophia Ajagunna, 4 years old.

Throughout her journey, Oceilee has been blessed to have a second family with the CSJ and CSJA communities. They have supported her through her graduation from Saint Louis University, the highs and lows of her first career, and her bold decision to join the Peace Corps, serving for two years in the Philippines. The community also stood by her during her decision to get married and the birth of her first child, Stella. When Oceilee faced pregnancy complications with her second daughter, Sophia, who was born 10 weeks early at 2.1 lbs. and required major surgery at 45 days old, spending almost 3 months in the NICU, the community prayed for both of them.

Currently, Oceilee works in the Human Resource Department at St. Luke's Hospital. However, she considers her main ministry to be motherhood, shepherding the two wonderful children God has blessed her and her husband with. Oceilee is also an assistant Girl Scout leader and an assistant coach for her daughter's tee ball team.

Reflecting on her experience, Oceilee shares, "I am truly blessed to have been welcomed into the CSJ community."