Obituary of Louise B. Mitchell

Louise B. Mitchell, the matriarch of the Mitchell family, was born on December 7, 1929 to Charity Napper and Charlie White in Albemarle, Virginia. In 1931, Louise was adopted and raised by her uncle Willis Hansberry and his wife Nora Hansberry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two of them loved Louise very much and raised her as their own. Louise flourished into a fine young woman and met a serviceman, Willis Louis Mitchell, whom she married on November 20, 1945 in Dade County, Florida. In May of the following year, the couple had their first child, Bernard Louis Mitchell in Miami Florida. In 1947, the family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the couple welcomed three more children, Ronald, Aneita, and Desiree. Eventually, the family settled down in Camden, New Jersey in 1954 and completed their family with the last 3 children Derrick, Brian, and LaVerne. Willis and Louise believed the three most important things in life were God, Family, and Education. They instilled the importance of education into their children and made sure that all seven of their children not only finished high school, but attended college. Willis and Louise cultivated a Christian home and were active in the church, so they ensured that their children were engaged in the church as well. Willis sang in the choir and Louise was active in other areas of service. They were among the founding members of First Refuge Baptist Church. While at First Refuge, the children sang in the choir and served as ushers. Louise and her family later joined St. John Baptist Church in 1960. She had a servant’s heart and participated in several ministries in the church. Most of her focus was on the clothing ministry where she faithfully served every Tuesday collecting clothes for people in need. While serving on the clothing ministry she developed a close and lasting friendship with Ms. Edith Branch (deceased). Louise was a member of St. John’s for most of her adult life, over 60 years. Louise was a very active woman who loved to travel and participate in activities with her friends and loved ones. She loved going shopping, playing bingo and watching gymnastics and ice skating. Among her hobbies were ceramics, crossword puzzles, Pokeno and various other games. Also, she loved watching midday stories, her favorite being The Young and the Restless, and eating rum raisin ice cream. Louise held several customer service jobs throughout the years. She worked at Jefferson Ward / Bradlees and Two Guys where she met her friend Betty Hammond. Once Two Guys closed she went to work at Caesars in Atlantic City as a housekeeper. She remained employed there until she retired in 1989. As Louise entered her later years in life, her love for service and activities didn’t change. Louise went on yearly summer trips with her son Ronald, visiting various parts of the country. She would always bring along one of her friends or family members as she traveled. Louise lived most of her life in East Camden on Thompson Street where she developed lasting friendships with several women in the neighborhood including: Joanie Hilton, Louvenia Powell Adams (deceased), Bessie Monroe (deceased), Betty Mitchell, and Evelyn Williams. As she got older, she ventured out and resided in other parts of Camden City. She lived on Baird Boulevard, Myrtle Place, and eventually spent her last 15 years residing at Faison Mews where she made many friends. Louise had an amazing heart. She wasn’t just a great mother, but an awesome grandmother as well. Despite being a very busy woman, she always found time to attend activities and special occasions for her grandchildren. She was a family woman and believed in maintaining the family circle. Louise was preceded in death by her sons Bernard and Brian. Forever cherishing her memory, Louise leaves behind her children: Ronald Mitchell (Dian), Aneita Mitchell-Ash (Stanley), Desiree Davis-El (Khaleel), Derrick Mitchell (Brenda), and LaVerne Mitchell; 24 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.