Emogene Mitchell

Emogene Baker Mitchell of Arlington, VA, beloved wife, and loving mother peacefully passed away June 23, 2020 after sustaining injuries in a car accident. A devout Christian, she transitioned with her devoted husband La Mont and loving son Kenneth at her side.

Emogene and her twin sister Quillarene were born March 5, 1956 in Washington, DC. They were the fourth and fifth of six children born to Rosa Mae Langston Baker Freeman and Joseph Baker. A 1973 graduate of Cardozo Senior High School, Emogene earned a degree in public affairs from George Washington University.

Emogene married her beloved husband La Mont November 13, 1994. They joyfully welcomed their son Kenneth in 1999. Buster the dog and later Paisley the dog completed their close-knit family.

Emogene was an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, style maven, world traveler, patron of the arts, volunteer, trendsetter, and exuded joie de vivre. Emogene once wrote, “I live my passion every day and LOVE doing the work required to bring people together.”

Emogene had a successful long-tenured career as an experienced corporate and association conference director. She served as an Account Manager for East West Connection where she led teams responsible for planning and executing large-scale, multi-day conferences and programs throughout the United States and abroad. Prior to joining East West Connection, Emogene served as Vice President of Meeting Operations at the Urban Land Institute and she worked at GBL Sales, Inc. She was highly regarded in the industry and shared her expertise by serving on Advisory Boards, speaking at conferences, and mentoring young event professionals. In 2003, Emogene and La Mont founded Mitchell's Music & Entertainment, a full-service music and entertainment provider. In 2009, they expanded their business to include Mitchell’s Meeting and Events. In addition to executing world class events globally, their business supported many charitable organizations, non-profits, and community groups such as local churches, the YMCA, Re-Building Together, City at Peace, Urban Nation, and others.

Emogene was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and served as the special events coordinator for numerous events, including Mount Zion’s 140th church anniversary. She was also a volunteer parent for Sidwell Friends School and an active member of The DC Continental Societies, Inc., DC Chapter, and the Diamond Red Hat Society. Emogene planned special events for Community Bridge Foundation, Inc working to provide natural wigs to teenagers who have suffered hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments. She also organized political fundraisers for the District of Columbia to include the coordination of events for Community Bridge, Inc. for ten (10) years.

Emogene was preceded in passing by her grandparents, Zebedee, and Emma K. Langston; her father, Joseph Baker; her mother-in-law Frances Mitchell, her beloved twin sister, Quillarene Baker Rice, and brother Christopher L. Baker.

Emogene’s light touched so many. She will forever be cherished by her husband La Mont Mitchell, son, Kenneth L. Mitchell; her twin sister’s daughter Jonquille M. Rice, her mother, Rosa Mae Langston Baker Freeman; her brothers, Joseph L. Baker and Vinson A. Baker, Sr.; her sister, Rev. Dr. Diana Baker Williams (John Williams), father-in-law William Mitchell as well as a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and health and safety social restrictions, the July 8, 2020 funeral service and interment will be private. The services will be live streamed to allow loved ones to safely celebrate the life and legacy of Emogene. https://www.facebook.com/FortLincolnFuneral/