Erin Goseer Mitchell

Erin Alieze Goseer Mitchell, born June 9, 1935, in Selma, Alabama, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on March 31, 2025. The second of three children of Mabel and Stanley Goseer, Erin was raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia, and Selma, Alabama, where her parents were educators. A proud graduate of Spelman College, the Class of 1955, she began her career as a second-grade teacher in Connecticut before moving to Chicago in 1956 with her husband, Aldus S. Mitchell, Jr. She dedicated 38 years to Chicago Public Schools as a beloved primary teacher, music educator, and parenting liaison. A gifted pianist and organist, Erin served in several churches and volunteered with youth vocal programs across the city.
After the death of her husband in 1987, Erin began writing and later published her memoirs, Born Colored: Life Before Bloody Sunday and From Colored to Black: A Bittersweet Journey. A passionate traveler and lifelong learner, she earned a Master's in Music from Roosevelt University in 1979. Erin is survived by her daughters, Audrey Mitchell Carruthers (Chatman) and Greta Mitchell; grandsons Kyle Carruthers (Alana Grier), Jared Bryson, and Kevin Bryson; great-grandson Zayn Carruthers; and sister Alice Readus (Frank). She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Stanley "Sonny" Goseer. Erin leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and service that touched countless lives.
Memorial services for Erin Goseer Mitchell
Arrangements handled by Murray Brothers Funeral Home Cascade Chapel.
Atlanta
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
First Congregational Church of Atlanta
105 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
firstchurchatl.org
Chicago
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM, visitation at 2:30 PM
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Chicago
3801 S Wabash
Chicago, IL 60653
sthomaschicago.com
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Spelman College and the Student Emergency Fund in tribute to Erin Goseer Mitchell, C'55. Your generous contribution will honor her legacy and support the institution that was so dear to her heart.
You can make a gift online using our giving form here: www.spelmanlane.org/giving, using a credit or debit Card
Enter your preferred contribution in the "Amount" section.
Under Designations, select "Other" and write in "Student Emergency Fund"
Under the "Tribute Gift" section, Select "In Memory" and indicate "Erin Mitchell." No other information is required.
Fill out the remainder of the form.