Mary N. Mitchell

Early morning on Saturday, November 4, 2017, Mary Nell Mitchell was called home to be with the Lord and join her beloved husband of 41 years. Joe Calvin Mitchell (passed away 2002). Mary Nell was born January 15, 1933 in Brookneal, VA to Annie Bassett Jennings and James (Jim) Jennings, one of 12 children (next to the last child). She was known to all her family and friends as "Fluffy: and "MurNell". Mary Nell obtained her early education in the public school system of Charlotte County, VA and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore City, MD. On August 19, 1948, Mary Nell gave birth to her one and wonderful, loving son Robert N. Payne. On August 21, 1961, Joe C. Mitchell married Mary Nell (Payne) Jennings. For over 40 years she worked various jobs-Nurse at Chapel Hill Nursing Home; worked and served as a "model" for Stein Uniforms; a seamstress at Misty Harbor; and sealed suitcases for Baltimore Luggage. Mary Nell was considered a true local icon in Baltimore City, MD. She was forever cooking delicious meals and desserts for the neighborhood, family and friends; she was "quick-witted"; knew everything about family and the neighbors; loved a good party so she could dance and celebrate life; but most of all, we all knew she absolutely loved her birthday! It was such a special day, that Mary Nell always ensured that the entire family was present for the annual Family Reunion. It was important to her that everyone knew one another. Mary Nell attended First Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member of the First Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Nurses and Serenity Plus Ministry. After church and when dinner was cooked, you could find Mary Nell sitting on the porch with family and friends waving and speaking to all that went by, asking. "You go to church today?" Through her love of God she was warm-hearted, giving and joyful to be around. Everyone wanted to head to "Mary's House". Most of all, her children "churen" were her pride and joy, an extension of her legacy. No matter who came over or where we were, she pointed at us all and would ask the person(s). "You know my churen?" Then she would go down the line, naming us all. If she hadn't heard from one of us, she would call the others until that one child (son, grands, and great-grand) was located. We were and will always be proud of the sassy, loving, strong woman we all knew and loved (Mama, Grandma, Gee Gee Ma)! Mary Nell leaves to mourn her one son, Robert N. Payne; two granddaughters, Erica M. "Shelly" Payne-Santiago (Gee Gee Ma Twin) and JeNee L. Payne (Lil Fluffy or Lil Ms. Jennings); one great-granddaughter, Eysa R. Santiago; and one sister, Grace Jennings (Juanita), and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 10 siblings, and husband.

Tributes

Mary N. Mitchell

January 15, 1933 - November 4, 2017