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Ella Mitchell Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
MITCHELL, Ella REV. DR. ELLA PEARSON MITCHELL After a courageous struggle recovering from several strokes and complications from diminished lung capacity, the Rev. Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell departed this life November 20, 2008. Nationally recognized as preacher, teacher, lecturer and author, she was the first female Dean of Sisters Chapel, Spelman College, 1986-1988. Prior to that she taught Christian Education and directed Continuing Education at Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. In semi-retirement, she served for twelve years, with her husband, as Visiting Professor of Homiletics at the Interdenominational Theological Center. Meanwhile she has edited or co-edited six volumes of sermons by women, plus co-authoring two books with her husband. With him she has also team taught at seminaries from coast to coast in the USA, plus Zaire, England and Russia. In all her labors, she has not only seen herself as mother of four; she has been known among countless women preachers as "the Mother of the Movement". At heart she was indeed mother to all of them, plus male pastors and students as well. Her teaching ranged from many years in public school kindergarten, to Assistant Director, with her husband, of the M. L. King Program at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, one of the very first D. Min. programs in the country. Her own education included B.A., Talladega College, Alabama; M.A., Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, New York City; and D. Min., Claremont School of Theology, California. She also received several honorary doctorates. She leaves to mourn her departure her inseparable partner of 64 years, the Rev. Dr. Henry H. Mitchell; two daughters, Muriel M. Lawrence (Robert) of Ewing, N.J., and the Rev. Elizabeth M. Clement (Arthur) of Atlanta; one son, Kenneth Mitchell (Carla) of Tallahassee; four granddaughters, Stephanie Mitchell-Smith Gulley (Tad) and Danielle, Kimberly and Marri Mitchell; and two grandsons, Arthur J. and Mitchell P. Clement; great nephew, Taj N. Wilson; two great grandsons; and two sisters, Ermine P. Washington and Lurline Cotton, plus innumerable devoted relatives and friends. "Dr. Ella" was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Pearson and Jessica Wright Pearson; and by her firstborn son, Henry H. III (Hank) at age 26, and niece, Stephanie L. Wilson. A wake for "Dr. Ella" will be held on Monday December 1, 2008 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Family visitation will immediately follow the Omega Omega service which will be conducted at 6:00 PM. The Official Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at 11:00 AM at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Murray Brothers Cascade Chapel, 1199 Utoy Springs Rd. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30331 (Corner of Cascade Rd. near I-285) 404-349-3000. mbfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Ella Mitchell
(The Rev.) Jerome J. Washington, PhD
December 6, 2008
Dear Rev. Henry:
I thank God for you and Rev. Ella and for what you both have meant to so many.
The world is a brighter place because of Rev. Ella. I will forever remember her smile.
When we needed it, you have prayed for us. Just know that we are now praying for you. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Jerome
Anita Johnson
December 3, 2008
Mrs. Mitchell spirit first touched mine as our guest speaker for the WMU of Ebenezer. She had the kindest spirit.
May God be with you until we meet again,
Odessa Hooker
December 2, 2008
Dear Rev. Liz & Arthur,
I didn't know Dr. Ella, but you look like her, Rev. Liz. I suspect your personality reflects hers.
May God comfort you both as only He can. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alice Gilmer
December 2, 2008
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
Breanna and I were sadden to hear about Rev. Ella. I will always cherish the memories of the two of you when both of you came to Detroit to preach and were guests in our home. I saw the great love that you had for her in the tender care that you provided. I also saw the very practical side of you when you fixed my garbage disposal and gave Breanna some very grandfatherly advice. May God bless and comfort you and your family at this time. Love, Alice and Breanna
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Bob & Lillian Logan
December 2, 2008
Dear Dr. Henry and family,
We extend to you our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Ella had such a beautiful smile. She was a tremendous inspiration and touched many lives, including ours, throughout the years. We will miss Dr. Ella, but will not forget her.
May God's love, comfort, peace, and strength be with you each day.
Rev. Lawrence Q. Barriner, Sr.
December 1, 2008
The impact and influence of Ella P. Mitchell on the art of preaching is profound and will be for untold years to come. Because of her giftedness so many lives have been touched and turned towards heaven as she lived out her Christian witness in the classroom through teaching, and in the living of life beyond the academy. As a student of the Mitchell’s much appreciation and high respect is given for the passion, pride and perfection they shared through teaching preaching. To her beloved husband and family allow yourselves appropriate time to grieve as you lean upon the mighty arms of the One who was and is to come, Jesus the Christ! Grace and peace.
Maxine Hurt
December 1, 2008
My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rev. Maxine Hurt
Faith Temple, Lithonia, GA.
Patricia Jones
December 1, 2008
To the Mitchell Family:
My sincere sympathy goes out to each of you in this time of sorrow. I imagine this must be very difficult for you and will continue to pray that the everlasting father in which we all believe will continue to support you in this time of need. May God bless you all.
Rev. Moses Woodruff, Jr.
December 1, 2008
Dr. Henry Mitchell,
You have my heatfelt sympathies in the passing of your dear wife. I do remember her gentle nudging me in my "Sermon Preparations" Class at the ITC. Her trusting smile and warm spirit has encouraged me these 18 years of ministry.
God continue to bless you sir and receive Mrs Ella!
Joyce Sheats
December 1, 2008
Dear Elizabeth,
I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing...that beautiful silver hair and smile is what I always looked forward to seeing when I would run into her at the grocery store and at church.
My family and the Bedford Pine Family will surely miss her. May God give you comfort and peace...
Joyce
Melba Renfro
December 1, 2008
Dear Elizabeth, Dr. Henry, and family,
I would like to offer my most sincere condolence in the passing of your beloved mother, wife, and grandmother. A most kind, stoic and gracious woman of God. Elizabeth, we first met when your eldest son was enrolled at the child development center at GSU and I later met your parents as they were invited to be guest speakers at my church. Rev. Ella was an inspiration to me as she shared some of her experiences in ministry. I was also delighted when on occasion,I, would run into them shopping local stores. Her spirit truly defied her age and I will continue in prayer for you all as you bid her farewell. I am certain that the God of our salvation will strengthen you all daily.
Connie Graham
December 1, 2008
To Dr. Henry,
You and Dr. Ella shall forever be stamped on my heart. You and she were more than mentors to your students. We were pastored through our classes with appropriate correction and always felt loved.
May God's presence, peace and power sustain you and your family during this time and in the days to come. Connie K. Graham(ITC 2000)
Marva Goff
December 1, 2008
Dear Mitchell Family,
Though I recognize your hearts are heavy at this time, I also know that your faith will support you in your loss. For me, Dr. Mitchell embodied grace, and I thank you for sharing her with so many of us. I, like so many others, have long admired Dr. Mitchell, and I'm so grateful for having known her.
About a year ago, I sent out an e-mail notice regarding the Talladega College Alumni Triennial Reunion. Dr. Mitchell responded and asked that if there was anything of a religious nature on the program, that she be included. As she indicated, "though I'm 90 years old, I still have my preaching voice." When I shared that with my friend Zenda Bowie, we knew that we had found our keynote speaker for our Ecumencial service. On August 3, 2008, Dr. Mitchell priviledged us with a message that was relevant, inspiring and simply awesome. In fact, she reminded us that we have abandoned simple, feel-good communications like letters, phone calls, etc. for e-mails, text pages, etc. - and of course she was right! She reminded us that we should return to face-to-face communications, and I'll try harder to do that.
Throughout the past 15+ years, Dr. Mitchell always supported alumni efforts. She was interested in knowing about the status of the College, and she was active in our alumni association. When I'd send alumni updates via e-mail, I could depend upon receiving a message from Dr. Mitchell thanking me.
So many of us will miss Dr. Mitchell. And many of us adored Dr. Mitchell.
We thank God for giving us Dr. Mitchell.
Marva I. Goff
Billé Frazier
December 1, 2008
I got to know and love Rev. Mitchell during my years at Spelman. I would often see her throughout the years and she was always humble and encouraging. She will truly be missed from this earth, but she will never be missed from our hearts!
November 30, 2008
Dear Elizabeth,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were so grateful for how she and your father kept their commitment to perform at our wedding in 1996. She was not feeling well that day and they had just suffered the loss of a dear friend. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Angelo and Sophia Matthews(former Candler classmate)
Dr. Teresa Fry Brown
November 30, 2008
To Dr Henry Mitchell and the family of Dr. Ella P. Mitchell,
I am eternally grateful that God placed you in my life as I began my career. Dr. Ella's constant words of support and warm smile over the years were priceless gems. She was and is one of my ministry role models. Please know that my prayers are with you as you journey through this season of grief and separation.
John W Waters, PhD, D.D.
November 30, 2008
One of the joys of life is getting to know people who have made a positive difference in the lives of others. This Ella Mitchell did and will continue to do. She leaves to all of us so many precious memories. It is these memories that assure immortality for Dr. Mitchell. As, as with so many others, my condolence and sympathy are extended to this family. Know that you remain in my prayers, and that these prayers include the continuous blessings from God upon all of you.
Janese
November 30, 2008
May God's spirit be upon the family and remember to trust in his Son Jesus Christ.
Patricia Ross
November 30, 2008
To the Family of our Dear Dr. Ella Mitchell,
She always had a kind word and a warm smile. She was a role model for all and especially for the sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I know you will miss her, but she has been a blessing to many. My deepest sympathy to all of you. May God give you comfort and peace to know she is at rest. Patricia D. Ross
Rochelle Jackson
November 29, 2008
To the Family: May God continue to smile on you during this time of loss. Soror Ella Mitchell was and will always be an inspiration in my life and at Saint Philip AME Church. To God Be the Glory.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Decatur Alumnae Chapter,
Decatur, GA
Rev. Evaleen Litman Sargent, MDiv - ITC Class of 2000
November 29, 2008
To the Family of Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell:
Thank you for sharing the gifted and courageous Dr. Ella with so many of us. She has been a model for women in the ministry and for minister's wives over the years. With each new day life begins anew; protect your spirit by remembering you are always in the presence of God!
Love, peace and blessings,
Evaleen
sharon swearington
November 28, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
November 26, 2008
Rev. Ella Mitchell was truly the "Mother and Mentor" to women in ministry. I will always remember the wisdom and knowledge she shared with the students at ITC (Atlanta, GA), as well as her presence in the pulpits she graced. We are all better women in ministry because Ella Mitchell passed our way.
To Rev. Henry, may the joy of the many years you shared Rev. Ella with us, be a source of comfort to you and your family at this time.
Rev. Theresa Bedford, M.Div.
Turner Seminary 2005
Shirley Simmons
November 24, 2008
To the Mitchell family,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Dr. Ella. I last saw her a few years ago at the Delta convention in Philadelphia where she was beaming as usual.
You must have so many wonderful memories which will serve as comfort to you at this time of loss. May God bless and strengthen you during this time. I am honored to have met her many years ago while doing some work in her neighborhood.
James Harrison
November 24, 2008
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Ella Mitchell's passing. My prayers are that you are at peace with God's will for her life and yours. The two of you have contributed in a great way to the development of my ministry and that of countless others. You will always be remembered. Thank you.
joseph evans
November 24, 2008
It was a privilege to be recognized and known by Dr. Ella Mitchell. I felt and believed her sincere care for me. I will tell my grandchildren that I knew Dr. Henry and Dr. Ella Mitchell.
Most people will speak about her talents, namely her pulpit and literary gifts, and as a homiletican;and those gifts are important.
For me however, I will remember her as a Christian who by God's grace, was called to be among the best God gave to the body of Christ.
I will remember that she looked those of us that she heard and addressed in our eyes, making us feel as though no one was more important than us. I will remember that.
I will remember that she is a Woman of God. I will remember her that way.
Joseph Evans, Ph.D., Pastor
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
Washington, DC
Pastor Michael A. Turner, Sr.
November 24, 2008
Dr. Henry:
You have my heartfelt condolences in the homegoing of Dr. Ella. You two were such a great ministry team who modeled the Aquila/Priscilla concept for us. I pray the Great Head of the Church will provide you the comfort and strength to keep serving the Body of Christ.
Helen A Corbett-Brandyburg
November 24, 2008
It is with great sadness that I extend a sincere message of sympathy to each of you. As a Delta and as a St. Philip AME member, I always looked forward to seeing Soror Mitchell on various occasions. The most recent being at our National Convention in Orlando. Although Soror Mitchell will not be with us physically, I will always hold her memories near and dear to my heart, as you will, I'm sure.
Renee Shackelford
November 23, 2008
To the Family of Our Dear Soror;
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of our great theologian and sister who ministered to many of us, not only in our glorious sorority, but throughout the nation.
The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Dr. Mitchell has greatly impacted our lives. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Renee N. Shackelford
Chapter President
Decatur Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Melody T. McCloud, M.D.
November 23, 2008
What a sweet, wonderful woman and a wonderful life--Rev. Dr. Ella Mitchell.
My then pastor, Rev. Wyatt T. Walker, introduced me to her and her husband in 1974 in Rochester, NY at Colgate-Rochester Seminary.
Dr. Ella and I spoke occasionally over the years. She was a precious, lovely woman, a pillar in the church and important to the education of many seminarians.
May she rest in the arms of our Lord and may her family know much love and support is sent to them in their hour of personal loss.
www.DrMcCloud.com
Deborah Peaks Coleman
November 23, 2008
To the family of our dear Ella,
Joy, love, wisdom, family, kindness, and sisterhood are a few of the many words that enter my heart and mind when I think of "Rev. Ella P." Her spiritual guidance, stellar leadership, and trailblazing efforts have been a tremendous blessing to me and endless other members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My love and admiration for her will forever be.
I have held on to a note that she wrote to me in 2003. The message was so poignant-- very special, very encouraging. I think this is a time for me to read it again.
May the love of God, family, and your entire village keep you uplifted during this, your time of bereavement.
Most sincerely yours,
Deborah Peaks Coleman
November 23, 2008
To the family of our dear Ella:
Joy, love, wisdom, family, kindness, and sisterhood, are just a few of the many words that enter my heart and mind when I think of "Rev. Ella P." My life was enriched deeply by knowing her. Her spiritual guidance, stellar leadership, and trailblazing efforts have been a tremendous blessing to me and endless other Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members.
I have held on to a note that she wrote to me in 2003 because the message was poignant-- very special, very encouraging. I think this is a time for me to read it again. My love and admiration for Rev. Ella will forever be.
May the love of God, family and your entire village keep you lifted during this your time of bereavement.
Most sincerely yours,
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