While our hearts remain heavy, in accordance with God’s plan,David Benjamin Mitchell, age 75, of Miramar, Florida (more affectionately known as Ben and Dada), departed this life on Friday, August 8, 2014.
Born at home to Alexander and Ethel Mitchell on July 9, 1939 in Frankfield, Clarendon (Limekilm District) Jamaica, West Indies, he later attended Frankfield Government school while simultaneously tending to his parents’ land and livestock. He was a regular attendee at Lampard Church of God in Frankfield, Jamaica. Desiring better opportunities in life, he left home at the tender age of 16 to perform contracted work in America but would return to Jamaica periodically. In 1959, a beautifully refined young lady from Frankfield caught Ben’s eye. Following a relatively short courtship, on October 1, 1961, Avril May Knight (affectionately named ‘Jay’), would later become his devoted wife of almost 53 years. In 1962, they immigrated to London, England during which time Ben worked various jobs including long-distance truck driving, taxi service and factory work. Twenty years later, Ben and his family immigrated from London to Hartford, CT in 1982. However, due to health reasons and a desire to reside in a location within close proximity to Jamaica, Ben’s final move with his family occurred in 1992 to Miramar, FL. Having a strong work ethic but distaste for confined settings, Ben spent a short time working as a school bus driver but soon after acquired his own business in 1996, “David Mitchell’s Tree Service and Landscaping.” Despite chronic illness in his later years, Ben chose not to retire from working, he merely slowed down.
Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Avril ‘Jay’ Mitchell and daughters Elaine Saunders, Annette Bourne, Lorraine Mitchell-Smith and Carole Mitchell. Also left to cherish his memory are fifteen (15) grandchildren and eighteen (19) great-grandchildren- Grandchildren: Neisha, Dacia, Nadine, Natasha, Melissa, Reuben, Simeon, LaShanna, Jessica, Marcus, Loryelle, Martinique, Samara, Paris and Aaron. Great-grandchildren: Paige, Alivia, Georgia, Faith, Sienna-Jade; Tyrell, Rechea, Pharell, Keon, Keira, Kayan, Jayden, Lamiyah, Azariah,Taniyah, Tiana, Keylan, Greg and Ackeelia.
Ben is predeceased by his parents Alexander and Ethel Mitchell and three (3) siblings called home ahead of him to be with the Lord. Seven (7) siblings are left to cherish his memory; Nathaniel, Dorothy, Lloyd, Phillip (‘Nigo’), Andrew, Renita and Carlton in addition to several nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Without question, Ben’s physical presence will be dearly missed by everyone blessed to have known such an honorable man. May his sweet soul Rest in Peace.
Ben’s viewing visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2014 (4:00pm-8:00pm) at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. Funeral Services will be held at the same location on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 12:00p.m. – 2:00pm in Shrine of Light Chapel(pyramid). Ben’s Committal service will follow at 2:00-2:30pm.
Please consider signing Ben’s guest book on the Dignity Memorial website online (see below). Condolences will be compiled into a family keepsake memorial book that will be treasured for years to come.
Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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