Wayland Mitchell

1942 - 2014

Wayland Mitchell, aka MITCH by everyone who knew him, was born on May 29, 1942 in East Saint Louis Illinois to Edward Sr. and Cleo Mitchell. In his early years, Wayland lived in Los Angeles, California and Salisbury, North Carolina. After graduating from J.C. Price High School he attended N.C. A&T State University and then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving his country with tours in Georgia, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Nebraska, Virginia and Alaska. After proudly serving for 20 years in the United States Air Force he retired in 1977. Mitch started his second career working for the federal government, retiring again at the age of 55. In his early military years Mitch became a member of the Masonic order of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Consistory and Order of Shiners. He was the youngest Shiner to hold office. He truly developed a love and respect for the organization and contributed it to being an important part of his earlier manhood development. Having been in Alaska for 35 years he fulfilled a long desire for his love of culinary arts and operated "Mitch's Catering". He credited his mother Florence for starting his cooking at the early age of 8. He was proudest of his two recipes which were printed in the October 1994 issue of Essence Magazine; and catering his daughter Yolanda's wedding which he stated was the joy of his life and the best event in his catering career. Mitch was an active member with the Disabled Americans Veterans, American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Retired Enlisted Association and National Association of Retired Federal Employees organizations. He was also was a member of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition in Washington, DC. and volunteer his time with organizations which supported prostate cancer research. While in high school Mitch developed a strong appreciation of Jazz music, was an avid sports fan and would always say he could attend a track meet "8" days a week! Being the son of two college coaches helped create his interest in most sports. Starting with his oldest son Maurice, who was on the NJCAA Championship Football team and inducted into the Sacramento City Football Hall of Fame. And his second son Raymond, whom he also expressed great pride when qualifying for the Olympic Track & Field Trials in both 1984 & 1988. Mitch loved taking pictures and developed this interest early in life. He valued his photo album collection as one of his most treasured possessions along with his extensive collection of Jet Magazines dating back as far as 1954 to the present. Mitch's belief in family was second to nothing in his life. His love for his mother allowed him to give his heart to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Earnestine R. Tinsley. They married in the winter of 1962 and were blessed with three children, Maurice Tyrone, Raymond Earl and Yolanda Florence. Wayland Mitchell, Hooks, Mitch, Pops, Mr. Clean...whatever you called him; he was special to so many people near and far. Everyone knows Mitch was the sharpest dresser at any age; the "original OG". He was an advocate for Alaska's youths in sports, a dedicated family man, and a great friend to all. Mitch was a big giver of his time, talent and life stories. His enthusiastic storytelling and life lessons captivated many and allowed Mitch to form lifelong friendships all across the world. Mitch always said that he has never met a stranger. Mitch was admired by many as he and Earnestine shared a lifelong love of 52 years. He was the proud father of three, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of six. Mitch departed this life on September 10, 2014 and is survived by a host of family and lifelong friends including; beloved wife Earnestine; sisters Holly Mitchell, Sacramento CA, sisters Loistene Ervin, Dail Gade and Gail Seales, East St. Louis, ILL; aunts Kate Tillman, Upper Marlboro, MA, Iola Harrington, Belleville, ILL; son Raymond Mitchell (Angela) of Clovis, CA; daughter Yolanda Brown (Gerald) Lynnwood, WA; grandkids Talia Robinson (Jason), Trista Wilson (Joseph), Tiana Mitchell, Trey Mitchell, Chante Mitchell, Tevin Mitchell and Isiah Brown; great-grandchildren, Gabriell, Sophia, Joseph Jr., Xavier Jr., Natalie and Andruw. Mitch is preceded in death by his son Maurice Tyrone Mitchell (2011); father Edward Mitchell Sr.; and older brother Edward Mitchell Jr. Our father once said that "The same things that make you smile will also make you cry. Do not cry that it is over, smile that it has been". Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 18th 2014 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. Viewing 9 a.m. -10 a.m. Services at 10am followed by Full Military Honors at Joint Base Elmendorf - Richardson. In honor of Mitch we ask that you wear his favorite colors, Red and Black. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Wayland "Mitch" Mitchell to Bartlett High School Track & Field Program or the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, 1158 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.