Deacon Major "M.L." Lee Mitchell III

M.L. attended school in Craven County. He was employed with the International Paper Company and also worked in logging. M.L., as he was known by all of his family and friends, loved drag racing.

M.L. was a faithful member of Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church until his health failed. M.L was ordained as a deacon in 2025 under Rev. Dr. Willie L. Tukes, Jr. Being a deacon was M.L.'s most wonderful honors, but his greatest honor was being called "Granddad." He loved each and every one of his grandchildren equally.

M.L. is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lee Mitchell; sons, Major Lee Mitchell IV of Dover, NC, Corey White of New Bern, NC, and Austin Mitchell of Cove City, NC; brother, Dennis Mitchell of New Bern, NC; sister, Peggy Mitchell McNeal (Jerry); grandchildren, Dreamnique Payton, Major Lee Mitchell V, Jhaniyah Green, Trinitee Mitchell, and Aquarius Dawson; nephews, nieces, cousins, and several daughters-in-law that he loved like his own daughters.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in Cove City, NC.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Major "M.L." Lee Mitchell III.