Heavenly R. Mitchell

Heavenly R. Mitchell was born on October 9, 1967, in Boston, MA to the parents of Willie W. Mitchell
and Lela M. Ray. She lost her fight to metastatic breast cancer on December 19, 2025. She is the 9th out
of 10 siblings (7 sisters and 2 brothers). She grew up in Columbia Point Community and graduated from
Cambridge Ridge and Latin High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Psychology from
the University of Massachusetts – Boston and went on to receive her Master's in science (MS) in Health
Care Administration from Lesley University. Heavenly became a Licensed Social Worker who is certified
in Maternal and Children's Health. Aside from all her educational accomplishments, her proudest
achievement was being a mother to her son Shawndel. She is most thankful for her natural supports
especially from family and friends. She surrendered her life to Christ in 1990 at Elliot Church, then
became a member at Jubilee – New Covenant Christian Church before becoming a member and being
baptized at Greater Love Tabernacle.

Heavenly (Heav)'s career began at UMass-Boston's Field Office in Dorchester, MA as the Assistant
Program Director where she designed and coordinated programs, developed and wrote grants and
proposals and supervised teen peer leaders in the development and implementation of recreational,
health and behavior modification workshops and trainings; in addition to co-facilitating adolescent
support groups. Heav dedicated her life to health and human services and retired after serving over 20
years. She received many awards and acknowledgements in her leadership endeavors while employed
with the Boston Public Health Commission in implementing the Healthy Start in Housing Program for
high-risk pregnant women and single fathers.

Heavenly was deeply committed to community service and social activism, dedicating her life to uplifting
others through leadership, advocacy, and compassion. She was an active member of the Prince Hall
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, beginning in 2002, where she faithfully served in numerous
leadership roles, including Worthy Matron of Rising Sun Chapter #2 in 2011 and later as Worthy Grand
Matron from 2022 to 2024. Her grand service also included positions such as Grand Adah, Grand
Chapter Special Projects Chair, Board Clerk, Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand
Associate Conductress, Conductress, Associate Matron, and Associate Conductress. Heavenly was an
Honorary Past Commandress and Assistant Recordress (2024) with the Daughters of Isis and held
memberships in the Ladies Circle of Perfection and the Golden Circle.

In memory of her Son Heavenly established the Shawndel F. Mitchell Scholarship fund supporting
seniors of Boston Arts Academy and within the community via Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM, as well as
founding the Shawndel F. Mitchell Health and Wellness Fair established in 2008. She served as a
Delegate At Large for the Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers and contributed her
expertise as an advisory board and steering committee member for numerous educational, social,
health, civic, and recreational organizations, including the Greater Boston Urban League, Colonel Daniel
Marr Boys and Girls Club of America in Dorchester, New England Home for Little Wanderers,
Neighborhood Health Plan, Roxbury YMCA, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the
Maternal Child Health Bureau's Advisory Board, City Match, and the March of Dimes Maternal and Child
Health and Health Equity initiatives.

Heavenly's exceptional service was recognized with many honors, such as the high-level recognition
from the Massachusetts House of Representatives (2010 and 2013), Prince Hall Grand Chapter Women
of Color Honoree (2010), the Boston Public Health Commission's Paul Revere Award (2009), and the
Outstanding Performance Award (2001), along with numerous proclamations from Massachusetts and
Boston city dignitaries.

Beyond her public service and achievements, Heavenly had a love for the color fuchsia pink alongside
black and white, loved lilies with pink, enjoyed traveling, shopping, dancing, listening to music, and
attending the theatre, and lived her life guided by her favorite scriptures, 2 Corinthians 5:7 and 1
Corinthians 13:4–8 (NIV).

Heavenly leaves behind to cherish her memories: Fiancè - David A. Lyons; Siblings - Brenda Ray, Glenda
Cameron, Sandra Ray, Verneda Ray, Leila Ray, Zainab Austin, Raymon (Patricia) Ray, Darrell Debnam and
Catherine Mitchell; Godchildren – Ronald Wright, Jr., Paisley Murray, Thomas Bidwell, Jr. and Mylah
James; Bonus children – Najiyyah and Dawud Lyons; Bonus Grandchildren – Naasih and Maliyah Lyons.
Heavenly will be reunited with her son Shawndel F. Mitchell, Father Willie W. Mitchell, Mother Lela M.
Ray, Goddaughter Shamone Cole and Nephews Leland J. Nickrosz and Desmond L. Crawford