Charles Lee Mitchell, Sr.

RL

eflections of ife

DeaconCharles Lee Mitchell, Sr. was born April 21, 1922,

in Shelby County, the second child and oldest son born to Joseph and Letishie Lewis Mitchell. In 1938, he graduated from the 8th grade at Park Avenue Grammar School located on Maywood Street just across from the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

On August 11, 1933, at the age of 11, he confessed his belief and hope in Christ, was baptized, and committed himself to living his life for the Lord.

Deacon Mitchell enlisted in the United States Navy; was assigned to boot camp training in Norfolk, VA; and from there to Annapolis, MD, where he gained an interest in music during his tour of duty, and began to play both clarinet and saxophone. He was assigned as a Mess Attendant/3rd Class in the Officers’ Mess Hall at the Naval Academy, where he and his fellow servicemen served junior officers-in-training. He developed a great rapport with midshipmen who were impressed with his interest in education. They supplied him with books on World History, which sparked an ongoing quest to know “how it all began.” He began reading high school self-taught courses (on his own time), and developed an increased thirst for more knowledge. While in the Navy, particularly in North Africa, he studied civil service courses, involving higher mathematical learning, geography, and psychology. He received the Purple Heart award during his tour of duty, and was honorably discharged from the Navy in September 1945, after serving 6-1/2 years.

In August 1947, Deacon Mitchell was hired to work for the United States Railway Mail Service – a branch of the U. S. Postal Service. He married his wife-for-life, Ada Marjorie Cash, in February 1948, and began a family of six (6) children.

Along with his increased responsibilities, he continued to pursue an education on his own time. He studied a series of courses and received several certificates of completion from the International Correspondence School. He later enrolled in a philosophy course through the Roosevelt Institute in Illinois, which included economics, logic, and English. Upon receiving a diploma from Roosevelt Institute. He began to study philosophy and political science in greater detail.

He continued to work for the U. S. Postal Service for a total of 46 years. He worked as a clerk, served as a Union president, was promoted to Personnel Assistant, and later to the position of Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist in EEO Complaints Processing, a branch of the Postal Service designed to handle and resolve employment discrimination complaints. In 1971, Deacon Mitchell took the GED examination, received his high school diploma (at the age of 49), and attended the Joint University Extension of Memphis State University, studying psychology and personnel management, achieving a 3.0 GPA. Deacon Mitchell’s civic and community involvement included serving as a member of the Parent/Guardian Association for the Sheltered Occupational Workshop; Board of Directors for Shelby Residential Services; Ninth District of the Democratic Club; Lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and a Mason with the Hiram Lodge #7 for over sixty (60) years.

Yet, serving the Lord has been Deacon Mitchell’s No. 1 lifetime commitment. During his tenure, he served as President of the Junior Choir as a teenager; began teaching Sunday School in 1946; and served as Church Clerk/ Secretary from 1953—1968. His most noted commitment came with his ordination as a Deacon in 1949 – sixtyseven (67) years ago! He taught Sunday School to both young and old, and willingly taught many a young person to speak before the congregation. He has always encouraged others to strive for higher education. A historian in his own right, Deacon Mitchell yet possessed church records dating back to his father’s time of service.

Deacon Mitchell was a true soldier, fighting the fight for Christ since he dedicated his life and service those 83 years ago. He spent a lifetime helping to develop and encourage the young people in this Church, and was certainly an inspiration to all who knew him. Though he came from humble beginnings, Deacon Mitchell was blessed by God to accomplish so much. Deacon Mitchell was an enthusiastic and devoted teacher with a wealth of biblical and spiritual knowledge he so graciously shared with us down through the years.

Matthew 6:33, reads: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Deacon Mitchell stated that his personal affirmation of faith has been that, “…in all these things, I have always put God first, knowing that with God – all things are possible. God has remained at the forefront of all my endeavors…in the Navy and on the job…and in my quest to expand my education at every opportunity.” He further stated his personal philosophy: “The greatest asset to knowledge is perseverance. Acquisition of knowledge teaches you to be your own man/woman. Know it, and get it for yourself! Don’t be beholden to anyone for favors.

Never stop learning! And, first and foremost – Keep trusting in God!” Deacon Charles Mitchell lived a long, fruitful, and well-spent life. When the Lord called his name, he answered.

He was preceded in death by his wife and one son, Charles L. Mitchell, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories a family that loves him dearly – five children: Phyllis Anita Mitchell Anderson (Rev. Edward), Cedric Mitchell, Ralph Mitchell, Gerald Mitchell, and Cheryl Denise Mitchell Holiday (Carl); nine (9) grandchildren; ten (10) greatgrandchildren; five sisters: Letishie Mitchell Wilson (Odell) of Long Island, NY, Mary Mitchell Harris (Roosevelt), Lillian Mitchell Gunn of Fort Worth, TX, Janie Mitchell Taylor (James) of Perris, CA, and Gloria Mitchell Rhyne (Verell); two brothers: Joseph Mitchell, Jr. of Fort Worth, TX, and Arthur Mitchell, Sr. of Cerritos, CA; two sistersin-law: Elizabeth McCoy Mitchell of Lake View Terrace, CA, and Martha Mitchell of Fontana, CA; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and good friends.

The Celebration of Life Deacon Emeritus

Charles Lee Mitchell, Sr. Saturday, July 9, 2016 • 11:00 A.M.

Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 835 Maywood St. • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Pastor Fred C. Lofton Processional ~Officiating~ Scripture:

Old Testament Scripture...................................................................Min. A. Y. Nunley

New Testament Scripture.............................................................Min. LaVern Stewart Prayer of Comfort...................................................................................Bishop Jerald Bailey Prayer of Thanksgiving.....................................................................Min. J. Michael Williams Musical Selection..........................................................................................GNS Mass Choir

Remembering Deacon Mitchell (3-5 minutes, Please)

As a Deacon/Hymn of Tradition................Deacon Emmitt Madkins As a Leader...........................................................Sis. Hazel Devould As a Teacher....................................................Deaconess Mae Martin Acknowledgements & Resolutions..................................................................Sis. Diane Cole Family Reflections...........................................................................Sis. Janie Mitchell Taylor Musical Selection........................................................................................Sis. Janyce Cash Words of Comfort.....................................................................................Pastor Billy Macklin

Temple of Deliverance COGIC

Musical Selection.................................................................Sis. Jacqueline Webster-McGhee Eulogy...................................................................................................Pastor Fred C. Lofton Recessional

C

herished Memories

T ributesove L of

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.

(Alfred Lord Tennyson)

e to e ther r e w you r day, ength, e h t o he s str mile – Just t give u make us s to t, and e r o p p ere th nd su w u o to, a ay, y her d looked up t o e h Just t admired, – n we cherished perso be re to e h e r we and y, you andfather, a d r e r – our g he oth Just t ur father, andfather o gr e called our greate hav w t a ll th and a e of YOU. , e r a caus at we All th ome – is be the od for bec G k n tha d we gether. n a , u ve yo we had to We lo time ly. great u o y ss ill mi We w

n

Childre

en

childr d n a r &G

Charlie

,

You ha broth ve been er” t the b ha and b rothe t twelve ( est “big rs 1 Your dedic could hav 2) sisters ati ee as yo ur de on to fami ver had. ly, as votion Dadd y, w living was alwa to Mama ell ys ou . and r you w We thank God f guide for ith su o c life.

We w h a long a r blessing i l nd fru l miss sure – it y down but we k ou – that’ ful s no h love y ere is don w your w for e. W ou! e’ll a ork lways

Sisters

& Br

others

~ Acknowledgement s ~ The Lord has truly blessed our family with loving friends, relatives, and fellow Christians – making us feel so strong and so loved at such a time as this. All of us who make up the family of Deacon Charles Lee Mitchell, Sr. have been deeply blessed by your many thoughtful expressions and the evidence of your love and respect. You are so much a part of his legacy, and we thank God for you. We give special thanks to Ms. Arnetta Siggers (Wades of Memphis, Inc. Home Health Care Service); Mr. Ralph Mitchell; the Memphis Veterans Administration Hospital; and to the Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for your constant prayers.

We will forever be grateful to each of you.

~Honorary Pallbearers ~ Greater New Shiloh Deacon Board

Greater New Shiloh Joint Board Greater New Shiloh Senior Ministry Greater New Shiloh Brotherhood Sunday School Class Hiram Masonic Lodge #7 Veterans of World War II Grandsons & Nephews

~Active Pallbearers ~

Johnny Devould Ricky Ellis Terrance Jones Rodney Rhyne Keith Mitchell, Sr. Robert Woodard, Jr.

~ Repast ~ Greater New Shiloh Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 839 Maywood Street Memphis, Tennessee 38114

~ Interment ~ Monday, July 11, 2016 • 10:00 A.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs Through Your Mobile Device

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~ 901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com