On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, around 3:30 am, Geraldine transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family at her residence.
Geraldine Mitchell, affectionately called “Gerri” by her family and close friends, was born on March 11, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to the Christian lineage of the late Jimmy and Mattie Frazier. One of several children, she was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Mattie, one sister Christine McCoy, one brother Tyrone Banks, grandson Darnell “Tray” Johnson II, in-laws Francis and Janice Baker, Dwight “Pete” Mitchell, Catherine Mitchell, Gary Mitchell, Stephen Mitchell, Walter Bowman and Tim McCoy.
Geraldine accepted Christ at an early age at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of Pastor Wilson, where she was an active member of the youth choir.
Her family moved from Chicago to Cassopolis, Michigan where she graduated from high school in 1961. Upon graduation, she continued her education at the Business Automation Institute in Chicago. After completing the program, she used the skills she gained at the Institute and started working at Speigel in Chicago.
She met the love of her life, Don C. Mitchell, when she was 16 years old, and a courtship developed. They united in holy matrimony in Chicago, Illinois, and remained married for over 60 years. To this union two children were born, Stacey and Ryan.
After their marriage in Chicago, they lived in Benton Harbor. She worked at Heath Company for many years until her retirement. After retirement, she did volunteer work for Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph and for the Benton Harbor Area Schools.
She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Misson Church where she was active in the choir and Women’s Auxiliary.
Gerri was full of love, and she expressed that love by spending quality time with her family and close friends. Some of her favorite hobbies were watching cowboy movies and solving word search puzzles.
Gerri loved to shop. She cherished her family and loved spending quality time with her grandchildren, watching them play sports, and excelling in their educational endeavors. No matter what – she was always so proud of them.
Gerri will forever be remembered in the hearts of her loving husband of over 60 years Don C. Mitchell, whom she adored and honored; (2) children: Stacey Mitchell (Merle Robinson) and Ryan (Lorri) Mitchell, both of Benton Harbor, Michigan; (4) sisters: Bettye (Ronnie) Clark, Rochester Hills, Michigan, Cassandra “Polly” Banks, Beverly “Jean” Banks, both of Chicago, Illinois and Constance “Connie” Banks, Forest Park, Illinois; (5) brothers: Jimmie Banks, Chicago, Illinois, Frank Banks, Hillside, Illinois, Lamar (Jayne) Banks, Chicago Heights, Illinois, Terry (Cynthia) Banks, Melrose Park, Illinois, and Jermone (Kattie) Banks, Bellwood, Illinois. (3) grandchildren: Ashley Mitchell, Baltimore, Maryland, Taylor Mitchell, Greenville, South Carolina and Raymond Ashbury Mitchell, Benton Harbor, Michigan. In-Laws: Joseph and Diane DeFrance, Margo Mitchell, Minnie Mitchell, Duane and Perona Mitchell, Marlene Mitchell, Kathleen Bowman, and hosts of cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.
“In life we had pleasures with our loved ones, we have sorrows and joy, but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy.”
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
VISITATION
Friday
January 26, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fellowship Baptist Church
171 N. Euclid Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday
January 26, 2024
12:00 PM
Fellowship Baptist Church
171 N. Euclid Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday
January 26, 2024
North Shore Memory Gardens
5027 M 63 N
Coloma, MI 49038