Portland, Oregon, passed away at the age of 83.
Eugene, (Gene), was born on June 23, 1938 to Robert Lee Houston II., and Lula B.
Egland at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Lula B. Egland was remarried to Perry Mitchell Sr. and they moved to California
seeking better paying jobs within the shipyards. During this time, Eugene and his
older brother Robert stayed in Houston, Texas with their maternal grandparents
and attended school for two years. The brothers joined their mother, sister and
stepfather in California when Eugene was around six to seven years old and
attended school in Richmond California for two years.
In 1946 Eugene and his parents moved to Portland, Oregon along with siblings
Robert, Lorene and Delores. There he attended Emmett Grade school for one
year. Emmett school is now recognized as the Matt Dishman Community Center.
Unfortunately, Emmett Elementary was condemned so Eugene subsequently
attended Elliot Grade School. He graduated from Boise-Elliot in 1953. Eugene
attended and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957.
In May of 1955, Eugene was baptized into Christ and became a Christian. Eugene
met his future wife, Myra Morristene Suell at church in 1957 and they were
joined in marriage on January 31st, 1959.
Eugene's first job was in 1957 with Will Benton at the “Neighborhood Shopping
Center,” on Williams Street in Portland, Oregon. There he learned how to cut,
weigh, and price meat. Afterwards he worked at the Gateway Convalescent
Hospital on 102nd and Burnside Street for a year then worked at The University of
Oregon Medical School in the Pathology Department as a Phlebotomist for 10
years. He also worked at the Veteran’s Hospital for 10 months.
In 1969 he worked at Alpenrose Dairy as a Milk Deliverer until 1971. Eugene was
the first African American hired at Alpenrose Dairy. He then worked 28 years at
Oroweat Bakery as a Sales/ Delivery driver before semi-retiring in 2000. Eugene
started working for Key Communications in 2001 as a librarian for B. L. Turner,
retiring in 2017 due to health reasons.
Eugene was a faithful servant of The Lord. He was very active with the 35th Avenue
Church of Christ congregation and served as an elder, teacher, singer, counselor,
and even refereed some basketball games when not joining others in sports. He
sang hymns and golden oldies for residents at Providence Elder Place on Cully
Boulevard in Portland, Oregon for fifteen years every month.
His hobbies included: photography, swimming (after convincing himself to get in
the cold water), traveling, camping, cruising and family gatherings with his siblings
and family.
Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 62 years-Myra Morristene; Children:
Eugene Alexander (Alex) Mitchell Jr.; Daryl (Yvette); Valerie; Jerome (Kara), and
Granddaughter Lilianna Mitchell and a host of family, friends and loved ones.
Surviving siblings: -Lorene (Kenny) Orr; Delores Harris; Mary Miller; Perry
(Nancy) Mitchell Jr.; and Ilana Mitchell.
Preceded in death: Father- Robert Lee Houston II; Step-Father- Perry Mitchell
Sr.; Mother-Lula Mitchell; Brother-Harold Mitchell; Brother-Robert Houston III
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Mitchell family.
