Deacon Essie Mae Walker-Mitchell

MITCHELL ~ Mrs. Essie Mae Mitchell passed away peacefully and left her earthly body to be present with the Lord at the age of 92.  She was born November 27, 1927, in Dooly County, Unadilla, Georgia, a daughter of the late Minnie Burnham Walker and John Walker.  Mrs. Mitchell moved to Jacksonville as a child with mother and siblings and later attended the local schools in Jacksonville.

She was the matriarch to FIVE generations and was wonderfully devoted to her nine children, Barbara Jean Carter, Rosetta Lattimore (Darryl), Sharon Bell (Alvin), Patricia Cherry, Paula Holley, Simona Davis (Carlos), Gregory Carter, Lottie Walker and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Mitchell was preceded in death by her two sons, Benjamin Blue, Don Blue and daughter Cynthia “Nikki” Mitchell.

Mrs. Essie Mitchell, affectionately known as “Ms. Lil Bit”, was a dedicated soldier in God’s army.  She was a longstanding member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church and has served on the Deacon’s Ministry, Young Adult and Senior Choirs, and Outreach Ministries.  Mrs. Mitchell was well known throughout the Grand Park neighborhood as “Ms. Blue” and was a ray of sunlight pointing all to the Savior. 

She retired as a clerk to the Visiting Nurses Association and later provided childcare services to family and friends.  Mrs. Mitchell enjoyed gardening, sewing, dancing and being with people.  She loved sports and down through the years attended the sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mitchell was a woman of great character and charisma and although small in stature, she left a big impression on all that she met.  Every stranger became an admirer of Ms. Essie Mae and once you joined her family you never left.

We are confident that our mother and grandmother’s life was a true testimony of one who followed the teachings of Christ and told others about Him.  Her vivacious personality has left a lasting impression. “She was an inspiration to us all and as we attempt to comprehend life without her, we are obedient to God’s instructions to give thanks in all things.”

THANK YOU, GOD, FOR BLESSING US WITH MRS. ESSIE MAE MITCHELL!  ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE HER THERE WITH YOU IN HEAVEN, WE WILL KEEP HER MEMORY ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS TO DAMPEN THE SORROW UNTIL WE SEE HER AGAIN.

Celebration of Life for Essie Walker-Carter-Blue-Mitchell will be Saturday 10:00 AM, February 21, 2020 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street.  Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. Lead Pastor; Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. Senior Pastor Emeritus.  Family will receive friends Friday at The Soutel Chapel from 5 – 7 PM.  Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of her family arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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