Avis Jeanett Mitchell

Avis Jeanett Taylor Mitchell, beloved family matriarch, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on June 7, 1933, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late Roy Tillman and Bessie Benson Taylor.

Avis never shied away from hard work. She dedicated 31 years of service to Amana, much of that time working as a brazer. Over the years, she also worked as a waitress at several local restaurants, including The Ranch House, Bar-B-Que Shack, and Town and Country, and faithfully ran both morning and afternoon paper routes. No matter the job, Avis approached her work with determination, pride, and a tireless spirit.

Her most important role, however, was that of mother and granny. She helped raise three generations of her family, and her loved ones were always at the center of her life. Avis was known for her sweet nature, strong work ethic, and ever-present smile. She never complained, always kept going, and was a friend to many. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Terry) Honey; sons, Michael (Kim) Mitchell, Mark (Teresa) Mitchell, Marty Mitchell, and Myron (Melena) Mitchell; grandchildren, Heather (Chad) Pruett, Tiffany (Austin) Ervin, Alison (Jason) Campbell, Ashley (Randy) Bills, Cody (Michelle) Mitchell, Daniel Hargrove, Diego Lopez, Miles Mitchell, Bailey Mitchell, and Kelsey Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Ethan Pruett, Brylea Pruett, Grant Ervin, Zoey Campbell, Braxton Rhodes, Bryce Bills, Jaxon Mitchell, Aaden Mitchell, Gavin Mitchell, and Luca Bryson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Avis was preceded in death by her husband, John Fred Mitchell; daughter, Brenda Mitchell Millican; great-grandson, James Taylor Campbell; and brothers and sisters, J.D. Taylor, Syrenia Norman, Rosa Lee Steele, Grover Bennett, Ruth Ramsey, Virginia Simms, Carl Taylor, James Taylor, Vernon Taylor, Roy Taylor, Jr., Harold Dean Taylor, Robert Earl Taylor, Joe Donald Taylor, and Thomas Alexander Taylor.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Black officiating. Burial will follow in Gatlin Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 12 PM to 2 PM on Tuesday at Higgins.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334.