Rosemary Mitchell

Rosemary Mitchell, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, May 9, 2015, just 2 weeks shy of her 88th birthday. Rosemary was a truly extraordinary person, whose intellect, love, sense of fun, and kindness made her the center of her large family. She will be mourned and missed fiercely and always.

Rosemary was born in LouAnn, Arkansas in 1927 to Talmage and MaryJane Bedsole, and was raised largely in Longview, Texas. She attended North Texas State University, then moved to Washington D. C. right after World War II to work as a lab assistant at Walter Reed Hospital. While at home for a holiday in Longview, she met Harry Mitchell and they married in 1948; they were married for 48 years, until his death in 1996. Rosemary had 5 children, each of whom was her favorite and her close friend, and all of whom were devoted to her.

Rosemary became a career woman in her 40s and excelled in that role, just as she had as a mother. During her career in management with Avon Products, Inc. she learned that she was a natural manager and motivator. When she retired she was one of the top 10 managers in the country, and spent her last year consulting and coaching other managers, both in the U.S. and overseas.

Rosemary was a fantastic cook, bridge player and crossword puzzler and loved all of these pursuits, as well as reading and traveling. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were always at Rosemary’s house in Georgetown, and she was the cook, no matter the size of the crowd. Her travels took her from Australia to Africa to China, to a small boat down the Amazon River (while in her early 80s). Of all her many talents and achievements Rosemary would tell you that she was most proud of raising a close family that loved and respected her and each other; Rosemary was a truly gifted mother, sister and grandmother whose home in Georgetown was rarely without one of her children or grandchildren there for a visit. Her love, patience and complete acceptance of the people in her life were absolute. There is nobody else like Rosemary/Mom/Granny and even at 88 neither she nor her family were even remotely ready for her to go.

Rosemary has left many to mourn and miss her every day, including her children David Mitchell, Sally Dillard, Lisa Zook and Molly Mitchell, as well as her sister Beverly Tinsley, and her 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her dear daughter MaryJane Flowers as well as her husband of 48 years, Harry Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Georgetown, 703 S. Church Street, Georgetown, Texas. For those attending please use the 7th Street entrance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosemary Mitchell’s name to a children’s charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628, 512-863-2564.