Stephen Kent Mitchell

Stephen Kent Mitchell, of Richmond, aged 61, departed this life August 19, 2015 in Fredericksburg after multiple long and shorter illnesses. A Richmond native, he had graduated from Douglas Freeman High School and attended VCU. Prior to retiring earlier this year he had worked for General Medical in manufacturing and for the city of Richmond for over 30 years as a groundskeeper, equipment operator, and, briefly but ably, acting administrator of Maury Cemetery.

Steve was a gentleman and a gentle person with deep fundamental senses of fairness, justice, and respect for people of all stations and walks of life. He was gifted with impressive intelligence, and with a childlike sense of wonder that endured despite constant medical and financial hardships and frustrated career ambitions. His unique sense of humor celebrated life’s boundless absurdities with expressions ranging from “vulture” impressions to frequent punning and ironic social commentary. With a unique awareness of the sensitivities of others he elevated mere gift- and card-giving to a veritable art form. He was a model of determination who notably once lost over one hundred pounds of bodyweight in one year through self-directed diet and exercise. He was a devoted son and a steady source of companionship to his widowed mother in her declining years.

An avid baseball enthusiast, he loved going to Nationals home games and was a lifelong Giants fan. He enjoyed attending plays, concerts, and museum exhibits; reading classic literature, fantasy fiction, a bewildering variety of nonfiction, and, since age four, entire daily newspapers; watching the “Animal Planet” TV channel; listening to college radio; viewing the Richmond skyline from his riverside high-rise apartment; and joining in family gatherings and reunions. In past years he also had won bridge master points, dabbled with classical piano, and cared for his feline friend Casey, a cemetery stray whom he had brought home and adopted.

He was predeceased by parents Calvin D. Jr. (“CD”) and Marie B. Mitchell. He will be sorely missed by his brothers Calvin D. III (Dan) and wife Pauline Mitchell of Silver Spring, MD, and Blair D. and wife Sharron Mitchell of Fredericksburg. Other survivors include three aunts and numerous cousins, all of whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service for Steve will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:00 am at Welborne United Methodist Church, 920 Maybeury Drive (just off Patterson Avenue), with interment of ashes immediately following at Westhampton Memorial Park, Patterson Avenue at Gaskins Road.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or American Heart Association.