The
loved
and admired Dorothy Lee Mitchell was born May 8, 1935, the baby of fourteen children born to the late William H. Happer Sr. and Mary F. Happer. She was also preceded
in
death by her husband of 67 years, Herbert Mitchell Sr., as well as her siblings Elmira Tillett, James Happer, Marie Happer, Elzora Snead, Mary Fonville, Rozelia Sutton, Rebella Albritton, Arthur Happer, George Happer Sr., Forest Happer, William Happer Sr.; and her daughter-in-law The Honorable Faye Watford Mitchell. She received her heavenly reward on January 28, 2020.
Dorothy was a faithful and devoted member of New Willow Grove Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess, Missionary, and choir member. She was also a member of the Southeastern Civic League and an employee of Chesapeake Public Schools where she served as a school bus driver for 42 years.
Dorothy met the love of her life, soulmate, and companion Herbert Mitchell Sr.
,
and they were married June 4, 1950. They made their home in Chesapeake Virginia, where they raised their five beautiful children.
Together, as entrepreneurs, Dorothy also served beside her husband as owner of Oak Grove Service Center, which later became Mitchell's Complete Upholstery, and has been a staple in the Chesapeake community for more than 55 years.
Left to cherish her memory are her five children, Sandra Etheridge (Elwood), Herbert "Bud' Mitchell Jr
.
, Frances "Sugar" Griffin (Herbert), Karen Cuffee (Jay), Katrenia Washington; a special nephew William Snead Jr. (Gayle), special nieces Havanna Swindell, Thelma Happer, and Hope
Happer; two sisters
Ida
Alberta Gallop and Floria Powell; sister-in-law Cathaleen Mitchell; brother-in-law Willis Mitchell Sr. (Ruby); fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She leaves a legacy of family, faith, and love. Those that knew her loved and adored her.
The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at New Willow Grove Baptist Church, 841 W St Brides Road, Chesapeake, where viewing will begin at 11 a.m. the day of the service. Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
