Loretta Elaine Mitchell, loving wife, devoted parent, doting grandmother, and exemplary educator, was born on July 17 ^th , 1939 in Lynch, Kentucky to Will and Bernice Mitchell, however she spent her formative years in Louisville, Kentucky.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles E. Mitchell.

At an early age, she confessed a belief in Christ at Stoner Memorial Church in Louisville, Kentucky under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Owens. She later joined Union Missionary Baptist church upon moving to Lansing, where she was a faithful and devoted member. Mrs. Mitchell was a dedicated member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and served in the Missions Ministry. She was honored to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Mrs. Mitchell was a proud graduate of Central High School located in Louisville, Kentucky. Mrs. Mitchell was honored to be a graduate of Kentucky State University, where she received her B.S. degree in Teacher Education, and holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

While attending Kentucky State University, she met the love of her life, Dr. Bobby M. Mitchell, Sr. They were joined in holy matrimony on June 10, 1961, and together they loving reared three children, Bobby M. Mitchell, Jr. of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Tammye L. Coles of East Lansing, Michigan, and Tarra L. Birch(Michael) of Burleson, Texas.

After moving to Lansing in 1974, she began working for the Lansing School district. During her tenure with the district, Mrs. Mitchell served as Director of a pre-school prep program with a special emphasis on at-risk children, and concluded her teaching career teaching her favorite grade of kindergarten until her retirement in 2000, having had an over  50-year teaching career. Her passion for facilitating a partnership between the school, the family, and the community was exceptional and rare. She was honored for her outstanding work with children, particularly her work with children experiencing challenges learning to read. She absolutely loved teaching and even after her retirement, she continued to work in the school district to support students and special district projects.

Mrs. Mitchell loved traveling, scrapbooking, but mostly enjoyed spending time with family and friends allowing her to live life to the fullest. She supported several charities including the American Cancer Society, Haven House, St. Jude, and RIF.

Mrs. Mitchell was peacefully called home from her labor on Thursday, January 9 ^th , 2020. Her life will continue to be celebrated by her three children: Bobby M. Mitchell, Jr., Tammye Coles, and Tarra Birch(Michael); grandchildren, Bobby M. Mitchell, III, Makenzie R. Mitchell, Michael B. Mitchell, James D. Coles, IV, Loggan C. Birch, and Addyson M.E. Birch;  a cousin, Thomas Evans (Rubell); Godchildren Angela Johnson, Wynette McElvaney, and a host of adoring relatives and friends. Her zeal, compassion, and genuine kindness will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com