Mary L Mitchell's Obituary
On Friday, October 25th, 2019, Mary Louise Mitchell, loving sister and mother of three children, passed away surrounded by family and friends at the age of 75.
Mary was born in 1944 in Monroe, Louisiana to Clinton Russell and Luvetra Lewis. With her mother passing away while she was still an infant her and sisters Ruthy and Dorothy grew up in a loving foster home. There she gained another sister, Patricia. Mary and her older sisters developed a love for singing. Known in Seattle's Central District as "The Russell Sisters" they showcased their musical gifts performing to the delight of their neighbors. Later Mary received her teaching degree from Western Washington University and taught in Seattle Public Schools for many years. During this time she received much recognition, including Employee of the Year in 1993. Among her fondest memories were the births of her three sons, Glendense, David, and Marc. She worked tirelessly as a single mother raising her rambunctious sons, whom she dearly loved.
Having been raised with an appreciation for spiritual things and being a naturally curious person, Mary began studying the Bible. She wrote 'I have always been a curious person, but this has always made me happy, that's why I studied the Bible because I wanted to know and understand it. Life took on a different and happy meaning when I got baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.' Her focus became preaching about God's Kingdom. (Matthew 6:9, 10) She rested her hope in God's promise to end all causes of pain and to resurrect those in his memory to a paradise earth under the rule of Christ. (Psalms 37:10, 11; Revelation 21:4) Mary's faith in this Kingdom and the relief it will bring to mankind sustained her even through difficult times. Even while residing in a nursing facility, Mary continued telling others about Jehovah and his wonderful purpose for mankind. (Matthew 24:14)
As a message to those who love her, Mary wrote, "I've had a good life, I've traveled and seen most of the United States. I am in a good place now, so we will meet again in a better place. So don't feel bad for me, just look forward until we meet again. Thanks be to Jehovah."
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Clinton Russell, and mother, Luvetra Lewis. She is survived by her three children, Glendense (Danielle), David (Yaveelia), and Marc, her sisters Ruthy, Dorothy, and Patricia, cousin Betty, grandchildren Celise, Amber, Kyle, Arriana, and Brianna, several great-grandchildren, nieces Seretha, Luvetra, Kathy, Karen, and Tina, nephews, Terry and Arthur, dear friends Selma Young, Ora Hicks and Clementine Harris along with numerous other family members and friends.
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