Lorna Isabella Mitchell

Lorna Isabella Mitchell passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16th, 2025, at her home in Huntsville, AL with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard; their daughters, Pamela and Sandra Lee Mitchell; two grandchildren, Scott Alexander Mitchell and Savannah Leigh Hancock; and one great-grandchild.
Lorna is survived by her children, George Stephen Mitchell and Christina Mitchell Adams; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Paul Henry Mitchell and Stephen J. (Judy) Mitchell; and a sister-in-law, Helen McKernan Mitchell.
Lorna was born on April 29, 1932, in Kenmore, New York to George and Christina Robertson Mitchell. She met the love of her life, Joesph Richard Mitchell, in Buffalo, New York at a Kresge's Department store. It was love at first sight. Richard always told people that he met a million-dollar baby in a five and ten store. They married on June 15, 1951, and had four children.
Lorna moved throughout the Southeast with her husband, Richard, after he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951. His service took them to Biloxi, Mississippi (Keesler Air Force Base) and Tampa, Florida (MacDill Air Force Base), before they settled in Moundsville, West Virginia. There, Richard pursued a degree in electrical engineering at West Virginia University while Lorna served as a devoted candy striper, volunteering at the local hospital.
In 1962, they made their home in Huntsville, Alabama, where Lorna lovingly raised their children and created a warm, welcoming home for all who entered. Richard began his long career as an engineer at NASA, and Lorna became the heart of their household while also putting herself through nursing college. She became a surgical pre-operation and post-recovery nurse at Humana Hospital in 1978 and was dedicated to taking care of others until she retired after a 20-year career.
Lorna had a gift for making every gathering special. She took great joy in hosting large family celebrations and always ensured the house was beautifully and festively decorated for every season and holiday. A savvy and spirited shopper, she could always be counted on to find the best deals in town. She had a laugh that could brighten any day, and she delighted in the songs and jokes that Richard would make up just to make her smile. She also enjoyed playing computer games to keep her mind sharp and was a loyal sports fan-cheering passionately for the Buffalo Bills and any team that Peyton Manning played for.
Lorna's radiant presence, joyful heart, and unwavering devotion to family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Avenue, SW, Huntsville, AL. There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.