The Reverend Doctor Ella Mitchell

Dear Beloved, Our elder, Dr. Ella Mitchell, died peacefully in her sleep last night (Nov 20th 08) and is now at home with God, surrounded by the saints. In her final days, she was comforted by family, friends who loved her and her faithful husband, Dr. Henry Mitchell. It is asked that you keep the Mitchell family in your prayers as you move throughout the day and in your quiet moments. Dr. Ella Mitchell was a sturdy Black bridge over whom we have crossed. We owe her much and give praise for her passing our way.
The Reverend Doctor Ella P. Mitchell (1918-2008) was a teacher, preacher, devoted wife, mother and outstanding author. She is known as the "dean of Black women preachers." Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Mitchell graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where she met her husband Dr. Henry H. Mitchell, with whom she has ministered for over sixty years. Together, they have served as co- mentors in the Doctor of Ministry Program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and were founders of the Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies in Los Angeles. Dr. Ella was the first woman Dean of Sisters Chapel at Spelman College and also taught at the American Baptist Seminary of the West and the School of Theology at Claremont. Dr. Mitchell was the editor of five volumes of the series, Those Preaching Women, and, with her husband, completed their joint autobiography, Together for Good, which shares the secret to lasting love and friendship.
Both Drs Ella and Henry Mitchell were overnight guests in our home last year as well as speakers for us at Mount Calvary, Tucson!