Dorothy Elizabeth Mitchell

Dorothy Elizabeth Mitchell, age 95, of Gulfport, MS, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021. She had recently beaten covid-19 and covid pneumonia, though she grew weary and was ready to meet the Lord just days before her 96th birthday. She maintained good spirits and a positive outlook throughout even the most challenging days, and her visits with grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her the utmost joy. Just a few days before her passing, she visited with her grandson Adam and 21month-old great-grandson William, which made her incredibly happy. Dorothy was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 16, 1925. She met the love of her life, William Guy Mitchell, at a church function while he was stationed there with the U.S. Marines. They later married and moved south to rural, northern Alabama which was quite a cultural shock for this New England city girl. Dorothy and Guy lived in Russellville, AL for 10 years before moving to Gulfport when he accepted a job with the Dept. of Agriculture. They were happily married for 61 years until his death in 2007. Dorothy was a long-time active member of First Baptist Church and later, the (formerly) Cowan Road Baptist Church, both in Gulfport. She was a selfless woman and an accomplished baker who brought joy to ill friends and church members through her delicious cakes and desserts. She also volunteered for many years with the Gulfport school system while her children were students there. Her love of God, her family, and her pets were so important in her life. She will be greatly missed by her sons, William (Bill) Charles Mitchell (Angela), and John Robert Mitchell of Gulfport, her grandchildren, Emily Mitchell (Loran Shallenberger) of Nashville, TN, Adam Mitchell (Taylor) of Gulfport, and Dr. Laura Martin (Caleb) of Charlottesville, VA, her great grandchildren, Hayes and Isabel Shallenberger and William Mitchell. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Guy Mitchell, her daughter, Kathleen Mitchell, and her brothers, George Matsinger, William Matsinger, and Phillip Matsinger. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff at Greenbriar Nursing Home for her excellent care. Further, the family's continued love and heartfelt appreciation goes out to Cynthia Patterson, Deanna Jones, and Shelia Clemons, all wonderful caregivers during the last few years of Dorothy’s life. . Due to covid, the family held a private burial at the VA National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS where she was interred next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Mitchell family. View and sign an online tribute at WWW.BOKFH.COM