She was born on November 5, 1933, in Pueblo, Colorado, and was a daughter of the late Rodney G. and Helen M. Phillips. On June 27, 1954, she married Albert Russell Mitchell.
Cel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She particularly loved tending and entertaining her grandchildren. Cel was a graduate of the University of Colorado, earning a degree in Home Economics. She was an accomplished cook and baker who enjoyed preparing meals and treats for family and friends throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed playing bridge, quilting, spending time with her dear friends, reading, and, in her later years, listening to audio books.
Cel and Al moved to Harrisonburg in 1990 when Al joined the JMU faculty. They quickly fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley, building strong relationships within the JMU and Harrisonburg communities.
Cel was an enthusiastic volunteer for many organizations with perhaps her most memorable experience being her years with the Pennywise Thrift Shop, a ministry of the Church of the Holy Comforter, Vienna, VA, where she served as Chairperson and Director of the shop. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church where she joined the Francis Asbury Sunday School class and was involved in several outreach programs including the church’s support of the Mercy House family shelter ministry.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Al, and her older sister, Jean Lohr.
She is survived by three daughters, Helen Hubbard and husband, Nick DeBerry, of Washington, DC, Irene Graham and husband, Mike, of St. Louis, MO, and Mary Alexander of Potomac Falls, VA; one son, Russ Mitchell and wife, Susan, of Charlottesville, VA; seven grandchildren, Ben Hubbard and wife, Sara Miner, Chris Graham, Pat Graham, Kevin Mitchell and wife, Samantha, David Mitchell and wife, Gabby, Shane Alexander, and Carly Mitchell; three great-grandchildren, Zachary and Emily Hubbard and Mia Mitchell, and her brother, Curt Phillips and wife Jo.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 4:00pm in the Meredith Chapel at 3935 Sunnyside Drive, Rockingham, VA in the Sunnyside Retirement Community with Pastor Susan Reaves officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801, or Mercy House, PO Box 1478, Harrisonburg, VA 22803.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.LindseyFuneralHomes.com.
