Willie Z. Mitchell's Obituary
Services for Willie Mitchell of Kennard, TX. will be held Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 12:00 noon in the New Hope Missionary Baptist, Kennard, TX. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Mortuary.
Willie Z Mitchell, Sr. was born on August 8, 1932 in Kennard, Texas to Linnie Mae Lockett and Earl Mitchell, Sr. He met and married Thelma Faye Benton Mitchell. To this union nine children were born.
Willie accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Kennard, TX, for most of his life. He was a deacon of the church since 1983. Graduated from the Kennard Colored School in 1948. Joined the United States Army and completed his service in February 1955. He retired from Lufkin Industries after 33 years. He worked for the United States Forestry Service for 7 years, and City of Kennard. Other jobs included hauling hay, and odd and end jobs in the community. He loved farming and sharing the fruits of his labor. Enjoyed participating in annual Kennard Day Celebration, this was the highlight of his Christmas Celebration. He made sure the burn barrels were ready for everybody to help keep warm. He liked hanging out at Curry's and mingling with the people. That was one of his daily stops until his health failed. He was inducted into the Kennard School Hall of Fame. He enjoyed life and loved his Church, family, friends and hometown of Kennard.
Willie left this earth on the Wings of Angels May 17, 2019 at home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Faye Benton Mitchell, his parents, Linnie Mae Lockett and Earl Mitchell, Sr., aunt; Ozell Calhoun, son; Rickie Mitchell and Kandrick Mitchell; three sisters; Lossie Richardson, Anita Wyatt, and Elma Sheffield; four brothers; Wade Griffin, Sr., Earl Mitchell, Jr., Bobby E. Mitchell, and Will Mitchell.
He leaves to cherish his memories:
Children: Tamara Purvis (William), Sonia Adair (Cress), Camela Barlow, Lacoxie Joseph (Jimmie), Todd Mitchell (Clora), David Mitchell (Trina), Willie Mitchell, Jr.
Grandchildren: Keidra, Kayla, Nadia, Valeria, Malarie, Rickie Jr., Jonathan, Cassie, Cortney, Matthew, Lindsey, Tiffany, Jasmine, Joshua, Erica, Taylor, Colby, Kendall, Joseph, and Matthew.
Brothers: Billie Mitchell, Sr. and Robbie Griffin (Mary)
Daughter in Law: Pauline Mitchell
Sisters in Law: Marie Smith and Leola Mitchell
A special niece that he helped raise; Janie Washington, Seventeen Great Grandchildren, A host of special Nephews, special Nieces, Cousins and numerous friends. Thank you all for the friendship and love that was shown to him down through the years.
THE TWENTY THIRD PSALMS
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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