Ella Lee Mitchell

Reflections of the Life of Sister Ella Lee Mitchell Ella Lee Mitchell, the daughter of the late Ananias Anthony and Pernella Lunon-Mitchell and step-daughter of the late Howard Mitchell, was born October 22, 1919 in Gurdon, Arkansas. At an early age she united with Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Gurdon and later with New Bethel Independent Church in Gurdon, where she was a member of the Senior Choir, Women's Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, Trustee Board and Hospitality Committee. She attended the Gurdon Public School system and was employed as a cook and pastry chef for numerous restaurants in Clark County. She retired from Bowen's Restaurant in 1977. Her greatest joy in life was cooking for others and serving what she had cooked with love. Her culinary talents were both nourishment and a blessing to all who sat at her table; not just because the food was always good, but that it was good because of the "secret" ingredients revealed to her through the worship of an almighty God that she included in each dish. Most cooks will not share their secret ingredients; however, her "not so secret" ingredients from her recipe for living consisted of the following ingredients that she shared with all: Love, Loyalty, Forgiveness, Friendship, Hope, Tenderness, Faith and Laughter. She took her Love and Loyalty and mixed it thoroughly with Tenderness, Kindness and Understanding. She sprinkled this mixture abundantly with Laughter, baked it with Happiness and served it daily with generous helpings of Faith to nourish those around her. All who knew her loved her. She possessed a kind and generous spirit, a loving smile, and a desire to live a life that was exemplary and worthy of God's highest praise. On December 29, 2011, she entered the Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where she resided until God called her home on the morning of March 28, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother - Richard Anthony, and one sister - Irma Lee Mitchell-Briscoe. A tower of strength and love, Sister Ella, "Lou Lou", "Mama Lou" will be cherished in the memories of her nephews: Earl J. Briscoe (Floreda) - Gurdon, AR, Rev. Darryl W. Lunon (Barbara) - Little Rock, AR; her great nephews: JuJuan O. Marks - Gurdon, AR, Bryan Naki Price - Conway, AR, and Callen O. Johnson - Gurdon, AR; her nieces: Barbara A. Briscoe, Amy P. Briscoe-Johnson (Bradley), Melony F. Briscoe (Michael) - Gurdon, AR and Nikita M. Briscoe-Price (Lamont) - Conway, AR, a host of cousins, true friends, and numerous children who affectionately called her "Mama Lou". Committal Service & Final Resting Place

Rose Hedge CemeteryGurdon, Arkansas

A reception honoring the life of Sister Ella Lee Mitchell will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Carrie Street Church of God immediately following interment.

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