Mrs. Bernice Mitchell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Bernice is one of ten children born to parents Paul and Minnie McMichael, in Cleveland, Ohio. At age 95, she was the last of the McMichael's living children. Being one of the first siblings to leave Cleveland, Ohio, Bernice relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she met and married Alphaeus Mitchell. To that union, three beautiful children were born, Alphaeus, Debra and Carmela. In addition to raising her own children, Bernice was stepmother to two other children, Janice and Gloria. Bernice was a feisty woman with very high aspirations for her life and her children. In the 1960’s, the family relocated to the Hyde Park neighborhood. In the early 1970’s, she decided to further her education and started taking night classes. Her goal was to become an educator. She landed a teaching position at Anacon School located at 47th and Dorchester, in Chicago. During her tenure at Anacon, she taught pre-school and kindergartner’s. She took great pride in teaching the children how to make pizzas and other types of snack foods. She was greatly loved by the children and staff and was awarded the honor of having the multi-purpose room named in her honor. Bernice retired from Anacon School after 28 years on June 29, 1996. She eventually moved from Hyde Park to Glenwood to live with her daughter, Debra and granddaughter Raqueal. Bernice dedicated her life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 23, 1964, and began to Auxiliary Pioneer. She pioneered with her special friend, Terri Imala and brother Hannah, whom she spent a lot of time in field service with at least four days a week. Sister Imala and Bernice became very close and referred to themselves as mother and daughter. Bernice was a loving and caring person who enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, family and friends. She shared the good news and her love for Jehovah to all who came in contact with her. Three years ago, Bernice took sick and relocated to live with her youngest daughter Carmela and special son-in-law Tyrone, whom she loved as her son. During that time, she was loved and cared for by the family, especially her grandchildren Arthur Jr., Andrea and Anitka. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children Alphaeus Mitchell (Ermer), Debra Bailey, Carmela Minter (Tyrone); grandchildren Raqueal Robinzine, Arthur Wynn Jr. (Oghogho), Andrea Shelby (Caesar), Anitka Mitchell, Caesar M. Shelby III, and Mia Shelby; step daughter Janice Power and grandchildren Tracy, Lisa, Dorothy, Diana and Will; and a host of relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Bernice Mitchell

May 15, 1926 - February 19, 2022