Olvetta Mitchell

Olvetta Mitchell was born the oldest daughter of the late Elder Rayford Henry Cherry and Deaconess Celestine Cherry. She was a third generation member of the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A, Christ Temple in Gary, Indiana, joining at age nine. She remained a faithful choir member. She also loved singing with her siblings as a member of the "Christ Temple Five." Olvetta graduated from Roosevelt High School Gary, Indiana in 1952. She married "James" her sweetheart on May 25, 1954. After completing his first pastorship in Akron, Ohio, her husband accepted the call to pastor Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. in Gary, Indiana. With the faith that God would send the flock, in 1979, the congregation was moved from 2472 Pierce Street, to a larger edifice at 4201 Washington Street in Gary, Indiana. There Olvetta labored with her husband as she raised her nine children. In 1988, Elder Mitchell was elevated to Bishop to preside over the North-Central Diocese, and to pastor the Christ Temple Cathedral in St. Louis, Missouri. While he served in that capacity, she served as a member of the Board of Bishop's Wives and remained as a part of the board until her death. In 1993, they returned to Gary. Continuing in their life of ministry, Emmanuel COCH was established in Merrillville, Indiana. She was a member of the Emmanuel Mothers Board and Praise Team. Her meek spirit was an example to all who strive to be a virtuous woman of God. She is remembered as an accomplished seamstress, a prayer warrior, a quiet leader an anchor and protector. Olvetta is survived by her children, Brenda (Reginald) Marcus; Anthony (Michele) Mitchell.; Janet (Theodore) Callion; James L. Mitchell; Celestine (Lucien) Gochett; Melvin (Judy) Mitchell; Jarrett Mitchell; Michael (Rae) Mitchell.; and Lisa (Ardell) DuPaty. She also leaves 11 grandsons, three granddaughters, her siblings, Julius Cherry, Willie Cherry, Forris Johnson, Joyce Harris, Melvia Dean, Ruthia Cherry and Jerome Cherry, as well as a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, August, 12, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. and the wake from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., 4201 Washington Street, Gary, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at the church. Interment - Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. In lieu of flowers, donations have been requested to be made to Emmanuel Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., 125 E. 73rd Ave. Merrillville, Indiana 46410.