In The Master's Service

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MEMORIAL FOR VIRGIL D. MITCHELL

Brother Virgil David Mitchell was born May 12, 1921, in Hurtsboro, Ala., to the late William Wiley and Sina Lou Mitchell. His earthly life ceased Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at Willis Knighton Pierremont Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

Virgil was dedicated to serving the Lord and was a faithful member and deacon of Temple Primitive Baptist Church, Shreveport, La. He proudly served his country during World War II in the U. S. Navy. He retired from Shreveport Moving and Storage Co. in April of 1996, after many years of devoted service.

His brothers, John, Bruce and Raymond, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Doris Horn Mitchell; his daughter Becky Stewart and husband, David, of Natchitoches, La.; his son Mark Mitchell and wife, Tamela, of Suwanee, Ga; his stepdaughter, Deborah Ebarb, of Shreveport, La.; his grandsons, Kenneth Stewart and wife, Staci, Wesley Mitchell and wife, Valarie, and Kevin, Lars and Trevor Mitchell; his granddaughters, Ceseley Paar and Melissa Ebarb; great-grandchildren, William Paar and Caris Stewart; his brother, Elmer Mitchell and wife, Jean, of Opelika, Ala.; niece, Sarah Aldridge; sister-in-law, Desiree Mitchell of Longview, Tx., and a host of extended family and friends.

Brother Mitchell had many attributes that describe him and his life here on earth. I will name a few. He was a servant of the Lord, deacon of the Church, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, mentor, song leader, pillar of the church and had the gift of prayer that could lift your spirit. He loved Temple Primitive Baptist Church and was devoted to her well being. Many times I have heard him say, “We are blessed here at this little church to have good services and peace among our brethren.” He was a mentor to me in his conduct and during the years he served as clerk of the Louisiana Primitive Baptist Association. For many years he was treasurer of Temple Church and kept excellent records. These two positions he managed, with the approval of the brethren and sisters of those bodies, to name me as his successor.

Grandson Trevor D. Mitchell, age 9, wrote a letter to God, two days before Bro. Mitchell's death, in which he stated that his grandfather loved to wear cowboy boots and that he had served in the Navy. He stated that Bro. Mitchell had lived a great life and he loved him. He wrote that if it was his time to live with you, Jesus, let him smile and know how great his life was. He also wrote, I love him very much and let him know that everyone loves him. Thank you God. Please! We note that much of this was written in past tense two days before Bro. Mitchell's passing.

Elder Perry Miers conducted funeral services April 22, 2006, at Roseneath Funeral Home, Shreve- port, La. Interment was at Cool Spring Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Logansport, La. During the funeral service we sang three of his favorite songs, "Amazing Grace," "I'll fly Away," and "What a Day That Will Be." He loved singing the songs of praise unto our Lord and was gifted in song leading. Many times during special meetings you could find him with a group singing songs during a break in services. His zeal never seemed to diminish for the songs of love and praise unto our Lord. His passing has left a void in our congregation and we miss him very much.

Written in much love,
Benny R. Miers