Syrilla Glapion-Mitchell

Syrilla Glapion-Mitchell entered this world on February 5, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, born to Ferdinand Albert Glapion and Syrilla Mary Glapion. She was the fifth among nine children, growing up in a loving family of four boys and five girls.

Her life was deeply rooted in New Orleans, where she attended schools in the city's 7th Ward.The family were devoted members of Saint Peter Clever Church, where they faithfully worshiped together. Syrilla married James Wallace Mitchell of New Orleans, and together they raised six children.

From a young age, Syrilla shared a deep and personal relationship with God the Father. She often recounted how the Lord spoke to her and protected her throughout her childhood as well as in her adult life. In the 1970s, during the Charismatic Movement, she publicly declared her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. This profound commitment led to the salvation of her household and family. She cherished the prayer meetings held in various family member homes, where love and the power of God were palpably present.

Family gatherings were a source of great joy for her, surrounded by her children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and other family members. She loved the regular gatherings with her siblings and brothers-in-law to play spades, bid whist or Pokeno. They were a competitive crew, but she enjoyed every moment of the laughter and time they shared together.

In the late 1960s, Syrilla and James purchased a home and moved to Avondale on the West Bank of New Orleans. They attended St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Avondale before eventually joining the Assemblies of God in New Orleans where she served as an altar worker, and later Gideon Christian Fellowship in New Orleans. At Gideon, Syrilla embraced her calling, serving as a member of the adult choir, participating in the grief hospitality ministry, and ministering to young women, especially unwed mothers, through prayer and support.

After losing their husbands, Syrilla returned to New Orleans to live with her older sister Ruth. She stayed there until 2005, then moved with much of her family to Houston, Texas. Later, she made her home in Katy, Texas, where she lived with her daughter Marlene until her peaceful passing.

Syrilla was preceded in death by her husband James W. Mitchell Sr., her parents Ferdinand and Syrilla Glapion, one grandchild Darius Struggs, her brothers Ferdinand Glapion Jr., Bendage Glapion, and Webster Glapion, her sisters Carolyn Glapion Johnson, Sylvia Glapion Bordenave, and Ruth Glapion Thompson, along with other beloved nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law.

Her legacy lives on through her six children: Janice Humphrey (husband Alvin), Syrilla Struggs (husband Elliott), Marlene Blake, Beverly Mitchell, James Mitchell Jr., and Michel Del-Rio Burke (husband Grady, deceased), twelve grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Syrilla leaves behind cherished memories that are forever held in the hearts of her sister Jean Glapion Lyons (husband, Donald Lyons Sr.), brother Issac Glapion, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Today, we honor and remember the life and legacy of Syrilla Glapion-Mitchell, a devoted prayer warrior in God’s Kingdom during her earthly journey. She went home to be with her Lord on 03/21/2026. Her prayers continue to be answered today, alongside those of her parents. Her intimate relationship with the Father was her greatest treasure, and now she rests in His presence, and is still interceding for us all.