Bernetta Velma Mitchell

Bernetta, the first born child of Benjamin Franklin Brooks and Ora Estelle Brooks (nee Robinson), was born on May 29, 1922 in Mathews County, Virginia where her mother had traveled to visit her father, William Robinson, during his final illness and death. The birth of the infant brought a new focus to the family during a time of great loss. As soon as possible, Bernetta was brought to Baltimore, Maryland where she resided until her passing; she was a valued member of her family and community. On Sunday, January 22, 2017, Bernetta returned to the God who gave her life and is now celebrating eternal life with the cloud of witnesses whom the Apostle Paul describes in his epistle to the Hebrews. (Hebrews 12:1) Bernetta attended the public schools of Baltimore City, Baltimore City Community College, Morgan State College (now University), and was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biblical Studies by the American College of Theology. Bernetta was a loving and responsible older sister to her siblings, Myrtle and Ruth. When her parents found it necessary to leave home, Bernetta was left in charge. She guided, cared for and entertained her sisters. In many ways, she was a role model for them. At an early age Bernetta was taught to draw by her father and became very good at it. She loved the arts, including writing and music, and taught her sisters to love the arts, too. Bernetta wrote stories, poems, and plays while she was still in elementary school. She directed the plays with her sisters and friends playing the roles. What fun they had! They formed a trio, singing hymns, classics, and popular songs to the music of a wind-up Victrola. Bernetta loved family life and was determined to have a family of her own. At an early age she married Herbert Mitchell. Their first marriage of 12 years ended in divorce; however, they later remarried and remained together for another 38 years until his death. Although she had no children, Bernetta had a loving and caring stepdaughter, Beatrice. Bernetta also was active in the lives of her nieces, nephews, godchildren and Church School children. She was especially close to her nephews who affectionately called her “Lallie” when they were young. Between marriages to Herbert, she was married to William Anderson who died, and Sanford Withers from whom she was later divorced. Following Herbert’s death, Bernetta married Linwood Branch, who predeceased her. Bernetta was brought up in the Baptist Church, learning at an early age to love God and His Holy Word. Wherever she attended church, she took part in Bible study and taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School. She had been an active member of Berea Lutheran Church, Central Baptist Church and finally St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church. She also enjoyed Bible classes at Hopkins ElderPlus. Bernetta had a very strong work ethic and a long career in business and government employment. When she first went to work, she was employed as a sales clerk in a delicatessen. Later she worked at movie theaters as manager of refreshment stands. Her longest period of employment in this capacity was at the Park Theatre on Broadway, where she met many friends. After leaving the Park, Bernetta went to work for the Department of Motor Vehicles where she was employed until obtaining a position with the Social Security Administration. She retired from SSA after a 30-year career of valuable service in different capacities. In addition to her church membership, Bernetta was a cherished member of The International Sisters in the Struggle and The Red Hatters. She gave time, talent, treasure, and energy to the endeavors of these groups. During Bernetta’s final years, her niece Elizabeth (Liz) Mack and her husband, Andrew, took responsibility for managing Bernetta’s care and affairs. Bernetta leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Dr. Myrtle B. Stanley and Mrs. Ruth B. Young; her step-daughter, Beatrice Ward, and her children, Jacqueline Anderson and Herbert Jackson; her nieces and nephews: Benjamin Brooks Stanley, Elaine M. Kirstaetter, Dawn Kirstaetter, Gerard Brooks Young, Deborah Jones Young, Dr. Jonathan Stephen Stanley, Elizabeth Mack, Andrew Mack, Samantha A. Grant, Torian Mack, Gerard Brooks Young, Jr., Mai-lei Pecorari, M’kei Joseph, Karlo Young, Ngozika Young, Karlo Young, Jr., and Nneka Young. She is also survived by the following godchildren: Jean Kelly, Bernetta Dixon, Rosalind Hall Epps, Sandra Woodson, Gerard Young, Jonathan Stanley; and, a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.

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Bernetta Velma Mitchell

May 29, 1922 - January 22, 2017