Bessie Marie Mitten

Bessie Marie Mitten, the youngest daughter of the late William and Janie Eason Birch, was born on September 11, 1922 in North Carolina. She slipped away to be with the Lord on Friday, September 29, 2017 after fighting a lengthy illness. Mother Mitten, as she was affectionately known by friends and loved ones, would go on to receive her early education and professional development training in Baltimore, Maryland where she graduated from Douglass High School, and Cortez Peters Business College. Even at the start of her first years in the workforce, she was an employee of distinction as she became the first African American to be gainfully employed by the YMCA. She went on to become a nurse’s assistant at the John Hopkins Hospital, and later was hired as supervisor at the Department of Unemployment Services where she retired after 32 years of faithful service. Mother Mitten yearned for a deep connection with a church family and she joined a then-new ministry, the First Apostolic Faith Church at Eden and Monument Street in 1934. She was baptized and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost under the leadership of a young preacher by the name of Bishop Joseph M. Turpin. Her passion and love for God enabled her to be a witness to family and friends. She lead her mother to a more devoted walk with Jesus Christ as they served together as devoted members of the Sanctuary Choir. Mother Mitten utilized her administrative and business acumen in service to the Lord. Under the pastoral leadership of both Bishop W. A. Showell and Apostle Cornelius Showell, she served as secretary for the Women’s Choir and W. A. Showell Temple Choir for decades. Mother Mitten was a gifted singer, whose operatic soprano voice helped to define the choir’s signature sound. Her soulful and resonate lead vocals on the song, “I Cannot Fail the Lord,” will always be cherished for generations of churchgoers to come. Mother Mitten will always be remembered as a prayer warrior in the Army of the Lord. Her advice and words of comfort made her a pillar, not just at First Apostolic but in the community at large. She was truly an intercessor, who helped many to overcome the great trials and challenges of life. Words of wisdom and power were often uttered in her articulate, soft spoken voice. Who will forget Mother Mitten’s Godly insight and words of encouragement? As much as she was a beacon of light because of her many gifts and attributes, Mother Mitten was also known for the radiant beauty, and unique style she brought to every interaction with those she encountered. Out of all of the fashionable outfits she was known for, graciousness is the garment she wore best. Mother Bessie Mitten was preceded in death by her late husband, Lloyd W. Mitten, and out of that union, she leaves to celebrate her life: two children, Lloyd L. Mitten and Linda J. Mitchell; one grandchild, Melissa Mitten-Davis; one great-granddaughter, Maliyah B. Davis; and one godson, Franklin C. Showell II.

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Bessie Marie Mitten

September 11, 1922 - September 29, 2017