Derrick R. Mitchell, born June 22, 1957, the fourth son of Eldridge E. Mitchell, Sr. and Constance Ayler Mitchell was called to glory on September 15, 2017. He graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1975 and received his BA degree from Winston Salem State University in 1979.
He attended Stewards Chapel AME Zion Church in Rural Hall, NC and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked for the Dept. of Labor. Derrick motivated his nieces, nephews and many other children to make good grades and achieve their goals and as he said “you need to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer.” He participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program, namely Edwards Road in Rural Hall, NC where the Mitchell home place is located. Derrick loved nature and was an avid cultivator beautifying landscapes with various flowers and shrubs.
After retirement, Derrick traveled many countries and shared those experiences with his family and friends. Derrick overcame many challenges. Close to the end, Derrick received unconditional love from his family and a devoted friend of 30 years. They witnessed how such unconditional love transcended all things suffered, as Derrick’s heart was filled with love and joy complete with the glory of the Lord all around him, and was so peaceful as he departed.
Derrick was preceded in death by his father, Eldridge Mitchell Sr.; mother, Constance Mitchell; brother, Henry Mitchell; and sister, Ramona Mintz.
He leaves to cherish his memory five brothers, Malcolm (Vivian) Marshall, Eldridge Mitchell, Jr., Tony (Sheila) Mitchell, Brian (Barbara) Mitchell, and Brent Mitchell; three sisters, Michelle (Eric) Benjamin, Letitia Simmons, and Karyn (Henri) Torrence; a very devoted friend, Maria Martins and her children, Amelia Carvalho and Antonio Carvalho; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, September 22, 2017 at St. James United Methodist Church with Reverend Beverly McMillian officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Friday at the Church.
“Love Conquers All - 1 Corinthians 13”
Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, North Carolina
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