Ann Mitchell

1936 - 2025

Ann Brooks McAllister Mitchell fulfilled her life's final goal on Thursday, October 9, 2025, when she entered the Gates of Heaven. A dedicated Christian, Ann approached each family member, friend, student, client, and stranger with love and dignity. She was a positive, love-filled woman with a permanent smile. She was inspiring. Ann loved life but approached Heaven with much eagerness and anticipation. Ann was born on April 14, 1936, to J.C. Brooks and Annie Bullock Brooks at their family home in Fairfield, AL. Surrounded and supported by a loving, close-knit, Christ-filled family, Ann enjoyed and cherished her upbringing. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1954. A lifelong learner, Ann began her higher education at Auburn University where she met Bob McAllister at the Baptist Student Union. They married at the end of her sophomore year in September 1956. Together they had two children, Darrell Britton (1957) and Leslie Mara (1960). Bob passed away in 1961 after battling cancer. Returning to her higher education, Ann completed her B.S. degree at Samford University (Birmingham, AL) in 1964 and her M.A. degree in1967 from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL). In 1967, Ann accepted the position of Assistant Dean of Students at Mississippi State College for Women (Mississippi University for Women), The W, in Columbus, MS. The following year she was named the Dean of Students and Associate Professor for Education. Ann took a Leave of Absence from The W, to earn her Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 1973 from the University of Alabama. Always focused and a high achiever, Ann raised her children with loving attention while excelling in her leadership roles as 'Dean Mac' at The W, the Columbus community and the First Baptist Church. A chance meeting at a banking conference at The W brought John H. Mitchell, Jr. into Ann's life. Reported in the newspaper as 'the most talked about romance on campus,' students were thrilled when the 15-year widow admitted she and John, a widower from Starkville, were getting married in April 1977. Resigning from The W one year later Ann moved to Starkville and enjoyed a much loved and treasured life with John. She excelled at a second career as owner of TravelFirst. Ann, again, established herself in the Starkville area, travel industry and the Starkville First United Methodist Church as a leader. She worked closely with clients and Mississippi State University on thousands of travel adventures. She, also, established the Travel Department for Fortis Productions, enjoying a Hollywood twist in her career. Ann was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, Dennis M. Brooks (brother), Cole Mitchell (stepson), aunts, uncles and cousins, so numerous and loved others were jealous. She is survived by her children - Darrell Britton McAllister of St. Petersburg, FL; Leslie McAllister Terrell (Todd) of Atlanta, GA; and Miller Mitchell Ferrie (Paul) of Leith, ND; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren -- Alison McAllister Wallin (Mike) - Ben, Faith, Rachel, Jude, and Anna of Ft. Collins, CO; Haley McAllister Anderson (Tyler) - Bethany, Rebekah, Naomi and Gloria of Wellington, CO; Britton Schirra Barton (Pat) - Ehren, James and Brooks of Buda, TX; Christian Terrell of Shreveport, LA; Ethan Terrell of Atlanta, GA and Daniel Ferrie of Leith, ND. Ann, also, is survived by her lifelong best friend and sister, Sue Hassell Parker of Ooltewah, TN; nieces, nephews and cousins, so numerous and loved others are jealous. Ann's family extends a heartfelt 'Thank You' to the Staff and Care Givers at Belmont Village Buckhead, Atlanta, GA, who attended to her so lovingly and gave such comfort and support to her and us. God bless you all. To Ann, Mom, Mamaw, Mawmaw - well done good and faithful servant. In lieu of flowers the family asks you send a donation either to the Alzheimer's Association (https://donorservices.alz.org), the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org) or a charity preferred by your family. All services will be held at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel and Cemetery, 800 Denison Ave., SW, Birmingham, AL 35211-3812 on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 with Visitation from 12:30-2:00 pm; Chapel Service 2:00 pm; Graveside Immediately following.