Harriet "Nikki" T. Mitchell

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we share the passing of Harriet Thomas Mitchell, known lovingly as Nikki on January 23rd at the age of 87. The foundation and backbone of our family, she was a source of perpetual guidance, comfort, strength, and fire. Her love was unwavering and truly had no bounds. She will always be a cherished wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and blessing for all who knew her.

Beautiful in every way, her generosity was unparalleled, as well as her sharp wit. She was a gifted writer, loved watching sports, was a true wealth of knowledge and experience, and there was no limit to her kindness. Her greatest pride and the source of her deepest joy was her family. Her favorite place was amidst the chaos of a family gathering, watching the dozens of us laugh and play. She kept in constant contact with all of her loved ones, and somehow managed to keep up with and remember to ask about each person’s latest happening. She was fiercely proud of each of us, not recognizing that she was the guiding force shaping us on our paths.

She was a perpetual source of encouragement, light, and was always there when called on. She faced life’s challenges with grace and grit, teaching us the immeasurable value of family and faith. She led by example and shared her hard-earned wisdom whenever she could; and she always had a story. Her limitless love for others was perhaps only matched by the love that others’ had, and continue to have, for her.

She is survived by her husband, O.L. “Big Lec,” her daughters, Lynda Daniel (Tommy) and Lori Crowder (Tracy Horton), her son, Leslie Mitchell (Cindy Higginbotham), sister-in-law, Connie Thomas, as well as her grandchildren: Amanda Pendergrass (Jason), Casey Daniel, Lindsey Ray (Jacob), Jeffrey Crowder, Joseph Crowder (Taylor), Hunter Mitchell (Bryanna Mullins), Ahrun Higginbotham, and Harrison (Michaela) Higginbotham and her great-grandchildren: Anna Lynn, Thomas, Sadie, Daniel, Declan, Levi, Emma Louise, Andrew, and Aidan.

Grandmother, your legacy is one of love, laughter, family, strength, kindness, and selflessness. We will proudly spend our lives living by your example and striving to make you proud. Your heart is in us and with us, always. We love you, best of all.

Nikki will be laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, AL 35071-2374.