Willie Mitchell

Our beloved Deacon Willie Mitchell, Sr. was born November 17, 1936 to the late Fred and Cleora Mitchell in Elaine, Arkansas. Deacon Mitchell transitioned from this earthly life to receive his heavenly reward May 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Deacon Mitchell confessed his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of late Reverend Mix at Christian Stone Missionary Baptist Church, Elaine Arkansas. He later joined the Long Lake Missionary Baptist Church, Helena Arkansas under the Leadership of the late Reverend W.M. Webster. There he served as the Senior Deacon. Deacon Mitchell received his formal education within the Elaine School District. He attended school until he gained employment to help his family financially. He has always provided for his family securing a position at Mosby Mill as a young man, going on to Chicago Mill and later to McKnight Plywood where he reached retirement, retiring in 2011. Deacon Mitchell retirement years were spent watching his favorite Westerns featuring Audie Murphy, mowing his lawn, sharing his love story of how he met his wife, Mable of 46 years, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Deacon Mitchell is preceded in death by his father; Fred Mitchell, Sr., mother; Cleora Gilmore, wife; Mable Lee Mitchell, siblings; Magnolia Kelly, Fred Mitchell, II, Jesse Wynne, Melvin Ross, Elijah Gilmore, Sr., and a daughter; Ida Jean Mitchell. Deacon Mitchell leaves to cherish his memories his children; Willie Mae Williams of West Helena AR, Willie Mitchell, Jr. of Utica NY, Jerry Mitchell, Sr. of Kansas City MO, Sharry (Larry) Johnson of Little Rock AR, Donald Lee Mitchell, Sr. of Killeen TX, David Mitchell of Katy TX, Joyce Marie Mitchell of Marvell AR, Phyllis Kay (Larry) Williams of Jacksonville FL, Phillip Ray (Wendy) Mitchell, Sr. of Kansas City MO, siblings; Claudia Gilmore, Lucille (Joe) Hughes, James Gilmore, Sylvester Gilmore all of Helena – West Helena AR, in-laws; Carrie Ross, Jerelene Gilmore, Rosie Hudson, Murline Danaby, Lewis Danaby all of Helena – West Helena AR, James (Mattie) Danaby of Nashville TN, two special cousins; Oscar (Billie Jean) Heard, Sr., Pearlie Phillips, a special nephew; William (Amelia) Mitchell, a special niece; Juanita Brown, a bonus grandson; Eugene Crenshaw, Sr., three special granddaughters/great granddaughters that he raised as his own who provided services as his personal barber, chauffer, and talking buddy; Latrele Mitchell, Laila Mitchell, Myra Mayberry they were there until the end, plus a number of other grandchildren that he raised as his own, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.