What started as a series of social media posts leading up to the 70th birthday of the author’s mother, “Celebrating Life is My Religion” recounts the life of Joan G. Mitchell from a young girl into adulthood, as told by her daughter, Tereska E. James.

From the challenges of teenage pregnancy and surviving domestic abuse to the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Tanya to skin cancer, Joan shares her story with bravery and conviction. She reassures us that while life is full of sorrow and loss, there is still joy and reason to celebrate life.

TERESKA E. JAMES is a marketing executive who has always had a passion for writing since elementary school and often contributes her writing skills and talents for personal, philanthropic, and business pursuits. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and is also the founder of Brown Skin, Too, which was born from the loss of her sister to melanoma.