Mildred Pauline (Burris) Mitchell, 90, was born Dec. 4, 1921, to Frank and Esther (Wills) Burris at Theron, Mo. She had three younger siblings, Melvin (Shorty), Marvin and Marlene. She passed away Nov. 28, 2012, at Houston House, Houston, Mo.
She attended Ellis Prairie School as a young girl.
She married Herbert Lewis Mitchell in September 1939 and to this union three children were born, Norman, Shirley and Carol.
Preceding her in death were her parents and husband; one brother, Marvin; a granddaughter, Dana Gaston; and a great-great granddaughter, Stella Marie Phillips.
Surviving are her children, Norman (Judy) Mitchell of Ava, Mo., and Shirley Crouch and Carol Barton of Houston; a special family friend, Imogene Sutton; her brother, Melvin and her sister, Marlene (Don) Hubbs; numerous nieces and nephews; six grandchildren, Cindy, Rocky, Kim, Travis, Ricky, and Marlyn; step-grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
She made her home in Houston for 64 years. She worked 37 of those years in the same building that housed International Shoe and the H.D. Lee Company. She retired from Lee’s shortly before the factory closed its doors. She lived with her daughter, Shirley, for several years before spending the last three years of her life at Houston House after her health failed.
She was an active member of the Houston Assembly of God Church for many years. She attended other churches in neighboring communities in later years and was attending Northside Baptist Church with her family as often as her health permitted.
She was a lovely praying woman who enjoyed reading her Bible, musical gatherings with family and friends, gardening, quilting and making homemade banana ice cream.
She will be missed by her family and friends, all those who knew her best. She’ll especially be missed by her great-great granddaughter, Korye Linn Groff, who was able to spend almost every day of her first five years with Grandma. They were best buds. She could always bring a smile to her face.
Services were 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at Northside Baptist Church with Wesley Wallace officiating. Pallbearers were Travis Mitchell, Rocky Gaston, Rick Wade, Braedin Groff, Cindy Phillips, Kim Sperlazza and Corey Groff. Burial was in Emery Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to the Northside Baptist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
