Gertrude P. Mitchell

Our beloved Missionary Mother Gertrude Penelope Mitchell went home to God’s heavenly palace on Friday, December 3, 2021. Her sunrise began on February 6, 1929 in Princess Anne County, VA to the late Johnny Gordon and Gertrude Freeman Gordon.

Gertrude, affectionately known as “Sweetmeat”, was raised with her brother, James “Plumb” Freeman by their loving grandmother, Helena Freeman. Gertrude loved the Lord and at an early age, she gave her life to Christ.

When she was young, Sweetmeat married Henry B. Mitchell “Doddie”, and from that union ten children were born.

Gertrude was one of the founding members of “The Mitchell Guiding Lights Gospel Singers”, a group that was formed with her children. They traveled throughout Virginia and North Carolina singing praises to God. Each Sunday morning, they could be heard on the radio station WHIH/1400AM.

Later in life, Missionary Gertrude joined Christian Antioch Church of Christ, Portsmouth, VA. She was a faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years. Mother was a pioneer Senior Choir member, an officer of the Local Women’s Department Board, past President for 20 years of the Local Women’s Department, CAC National Women’s Department Advisor, a member of the Missionary Department, CAC National Mother’s Board, an officer and mentor of the Antioch Aspiring Junior Missionaries, member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, Youth Department Advisory Committee, Hospitality and Culinary Department and the church cook.

Mother Mitchell was ordained as an Evangelist to preach the Gospel over 50 years ago. She was truly a prayer warrior and prayed for a great multitude of family and friends. People from all around the area would seek her just so she could pray for them.

Besides her parents, Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, Henry B. Mitchell; three daughters, Delois Johnson, Patsy Mitchell George, Elnora Mitchell; two sons, Charlie Mitchell, Johnny Mitchell; eight sisters; three brothers; grandparents, Ruffin and Helena Freeman; in-laws, Albert and Ada Wright; and one brother- in-law, Sonny Smith.

Gertrude leaves to cherish her precious memories and continue her legacy, five children, Emma Mitchell, Mittie Waller (Haywood), Caroline Mitchell, Terry M. Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell (Mary); 18 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren; 49 great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Estermae Gordon, Dorthy Joyner (Allen), Gloria Smith; eight brothers, Charlie Hines (Della), Larry Gordon (Leila), Norman Gordon, Sonny Hines (Laura), Cecil Gordon, Lavon Gordon, Demetrius Gordon, Harvey Gordon; seven sister-in-laws, Catherine Freeman (James), Louise Wright (Charles), Vivian Oliver, Rosa Gordon; one daughter-in-law, Willa Mae Mitchell; three son-in-laws, Elbert Johnson Jr., Kenneth George, Haywood Waller; her loving children that she raised from their childhood, Laura, Kathleen, Corbert and Lee Wright; and a host of other relatives and friends.