Gretchen Mitchell

GRETCHEN MITCHELL Gretchen Shawver Mitchell, 62, of Wilmington passed away Thursday December 31, 2015, at Duke University Hospital. Gretchen was born on January 25, 1953, in Roanoke, Virginia, the fourth of five children. She grew up in Greensboro and eventually settled in Wilmington where she operated the New River Pottery stores with her husband. She was a remarkably creative individual with artistic vision who cared deeply for those around her. Gretchen was an accomplished painter, a master seamstress, a brilliant decorator, and -most of all- a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Gretchen happiest role in life was being "Gigi" to her beloved grandchildren. She made a special point to develop a special relationship with each one. Each grandchild made summer memories at her custom "Camp Gigi" events during their school breaks, and she recently pampered several of those youngsters at their favorite Florida amusement parks. Kid birthday parties at Gigi's house were always beyond comparison. She always made every kid feel so welcomed in her home, and she prepared tirelessly before events to ensure that every detail was in order. Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations were no exception to her festivity standards. Gigi always made certain that her guests had fun. Her last outing just a few days before she became ill was her annual trip to the county fair with the kids, something they all enjoyed. But Gretchen was probably best known for her incredible, dazzling Christmas department at the New River Pottery. She worked all year to plan and set up the most fabulous displays anywhere. No one had the vision that she had. Each year when she finished prepping the store for the onslaught of seasonal shoppers, her staff would be amazed because she always 'topped' herself from the years before. Gretchen is survived by her husband of 26 years, Rick Mitchell, of the home; children, Michelle Lynn Turner and husband Todd, of Wilmington; Arliss Clifton Gleason and wife Kathy, of Princess Anne, Maryland; Brandon Lewis Mitchell and wife Cristy, of Winterville; Julie Elizabeth Tripp and husband Bryan, of Winterville; grandchildren, Mary Gretchen Turner, Stella Turner, Fischer Mitchell, Hunter Tripp, Hadley Tripp; mother, Elizabeth Shawver, of Eden; sisters, Dreena Birdsall, of Kill Devil Hills, Charlotte Shawver, of Greensboro, and Cathy Ferguson, of Benson; brother, Galen Shawver, of Eden. Gretchen was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Clifton Shawver. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to those who have provided love and support during Gretchen's illness. The family will receive friends from 3-5 PM on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be officiated by Commander Cas Caserta, Chaplain, U.S Navy, and will be held on Monday, January 4, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Wrightsville United Methodist Church on Harbor Island, Wrightsville Beach. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gretchen's memory may be made to Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary (scholarship fund), PO Box 7192, Wilmington, NC, 28406, OR to Friends School of Wilmington Annual Fund, 350 Peiffer Ave, Wilmington, NC, 28409. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.wilmingtoncares.com Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099