Amanda Ellen Mitchell

April 24, 1929 – June 22, 2025

Amanda Ellen Henderson Mitchell was born on April 24, 1929, in the mountain community of Green River Cove, near Saluda, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Henrietta and D. P. Henderson, and one of eight siblings—the youngest daughter and second youngest child.

From an early age, Ellen found joy in the natural world, especially the river that ran near her childhood home. Her grandmother could often be heard calling her out of the water with a firm “get outa that stream.” Her adventurous spirit was matched by a deep and abiding faith. At age four, Ellen spent three months in the hospital battling double pneumonia and side pleurisy. Her recovery was a blessing—and, according to her family, the nurses spoiled her thoroughly. At just nine years old, Ellen gave her life to Christ during an altar call at a small church in the Cove, beginning a lifelong devotion to her faith that would guide her through every season of life.

She attended school in Saluda and proudly played on the girls’ basketball team. After graduation, her father put her on a bus to Greensboro, where she would live with Hazel, the daughter of his best friend. There, Ellen began working—first for Sears & Roebuck, then Southern Optical, George W. Kane, and Western Electric. She enjoyed her independence and the excitement of city life, and never lacked for company on a Saturday night.

One evening Ellen’s housemate Betty asked Ellen to find a date for Johnny Mitchell, a friend of Betty’s boyfriend. Johnny happened to be there and saw Ellen calling around to set him up - and immediately told Betty, “Get me a date with Ellen and don’t take no for an answer.” Betty bribed Ellen with the promise of breakfast the next morning, and Ellen agreed to a movie. That first date led to a lifelong love. Ellen and Johnny were married on April 13, 1952.

Together, they raised two children and ran Mitchell’s Clothing Store, where Ellen hemmed pants and altered suits with the same care and precision she brought to everything she did. She loved gardening, visiting with friends and family, and worshipping at Cathedral of His Glory in Greensboro, where she also taught Sunday School. Her faith never wavered. Even as her health declined, she was often heard praising the Lord out loud, a testament to the strength and joy she carried.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 73 years, John “Johnny” Mitchell; her daughter Donna Mitchell (Joe Rakowski); her son Joe Mitchell; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Montgomery Henderson, Sue Henderson, Estella Murph, Buck Henderson, Ola Newman, Charity Lynch, and Durris Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ellen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Cathedral of His Glory in Greensboro, NC.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23