Mary was born on April 14, 1955, in Louisville to Lumus and Lena Pearl Mitchell. Her life was completely altered at the age of 25 when she met her Savior in 1980. She continued to reside in Louisville for three years, working, studying to learn more about Jesus, helping others, and driving some of the sweet elders to revival services every week. She dedicated her life to making sure people had the same opportunity to meet the One who had changed her life. She felt the urgent call of God on her life to become a missionary to Mexico. In 1983, she moved there and dedicated the next 42 years of her life serving the Lord with the people there.
She labored, loved people without limits, witnessed the miraculous, served in every capacity, and built five self-sustaining churches. She was a minister to the needs of her people. She was a mentor that trained and taught men and women who could lead as faithful pastors and dedicated teachers to those churches she was responsible for building. She would make trips back into the States only to gain support for the work in Mexico. She wanted no credit for anything that was taking place. She gave all the glory and honor to her Savior, Jesus Christ. Loving people and desiring to see their lives changed was her goal.
She was loved by countless people. She made a lasting impact on every life she encountered. One only has to hear and see the reaction to their precious Mary, by her family from Mexico, to understand what an impact she made in their lives. Jesus was the only reason she existed, but oh, what a reason!
She remained in Mexico until September 18, 2025, when health problems would no longer allow her to stay. Even in the last week and a half of her life, she remained a leader and an encourager to all those around her. She remained “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”. She knew her labor was not in vain.
To know her was to encounter the love of Jesus on full display. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Mary is survived by her sister Jeannie Johnson and her brother Jack Mitchell; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents. Memorials in honor of Mary may be given to Mary Mitchell Missions, 289 Sulphur Springs Road, Louisville, MS 39339.
