Dr Keiffer J. Mitchell Sr.

Keiffer Jackson Mitchell Sr. November 4, 1941 – August 18, 2015 Keiffer Jackson Mitchell, the second son of Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. and Juanita Jackson Mitchell, was born in the 1200 block of Druid Hill Avenue, the same block where he practiced medicine for 40 years. His father, nicknamed the “101st Senator,” for decades helped shape all major federal civil rights legislation. His mother was the first African-American woman to practice law in Maryland. While raising four rambunctious boys, Clarence III, Keiffer, Michael and George, she and her mother, Lillie Jackson, were NAACP leaders and passionate freedom fighters. In 1954, Keiffer was the first African-American student to integrate Gwynn Falls Junior High School, where he endured racist attacks from students and parents. He credits that experience with nurturing his passion for art. In 1959, Keiffer graduated from Baltimore City College High School, where he had met life-long friend Larry Gibson. In 1964, he completed his pre-med degree at his father’s alma mater, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Keiffer headed to Meharry Medical College, earning his M.D. in 1967. Soon he noticed a beautiful young lady named Nannette Kindle, and it was love at first sight! Keiffer wooed Nannette with long, poetic love letters. Upon returning to Baltimore, Keiffer became the first African-American on the medical staff at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and The Johns Hopkins University post-doctoral program in gastroenterology. Keiffer was later the first African-American to serve on the admissions committee of The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Mitchell helped establish a medical group, Clinical Associates. He took special interest in his patients as individuals and insisted that they receive “world class medicine.” Annually, he celebrated his patients’ longevity with a holiday party where the ticket of entry was being at least eighty years old. Keiffer and Nannette began their life in Baltimore on Hillenwood Road, where they welcomed Keiffer Jr., Kelly, and Kathleen. In 1975, they purchased a larger home in Guilford where they regularly hosted family and friends. Clarence IV was married there, Keiffer Jr. and his wife, Nicole, held their rehearsal dinner and wedding reception there too. The grandchildren had free reign of the house! Keiffer was a proud father, telling anyone who would listen about his son’s accomplishments in state and local government, about daughter Kelly’s work at Vanderbilt University Hospital in the field of cochlear implants as she raised two wonderful children, and about daughter Kathy’s independent, driven spirit and accomplishments in real estate and passion for African-American history. He loved being a grandfather. Marquis, the first born grandchild, named him “Bop-Bop.” Keiffer’s face lit up with pride as he saw Marquis graduate from his alma mater, Baltimore City College. Bop-Bop encouraged Jade’s interest in becoming a doctor, Jack’s dream of playing professional football, and Kenna’s artistic talents. He also reveled in the talents and accomplishments of his nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. While Keiffer made a living as a physician, his passion was art, creating beautiful oil paintings in the style of Degas and Monet. He was also a collector of watches, silverware, and other "what nots." He took thousands of photographs, often presenting them to others with a personal note. Keiffer was old-school and never embraced digital photography or computers. Keiffer loved life, to be where the action was, and above all his family. Nannette, whom he adored, was the center of his world. His spirit will live on in his descendants, many friends, and countless patients. May God bless and keep his spirit.

Tributes

Dr Keiffer J. Mitchell Sr.

November 4, 1941 - August 18, 2015