Dorothy Harris Mitchell

Dorothy Harris Mitchell passed away at her home on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. She had recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. The daughter of Pauline Harrell Harris and Aubrey Lee Harris, Sr. Ms. Mitchell was born in Forrest City, Ark. on March 10, 1921. She graduated from Forrest City High School, attended State Teacher's College in Conway and graduated from Miss Wiley's School of Business in Memphis, Tenn. For many years, Ms. Mitchell worked for the Forrest City Public Schools in the Administration Office as a secretary and book keeper. Subsequently, she moved to Little Rock and finished her career with the Child Nutrition Office of the Arkansas Department of Education. She energetically retired at the age of 79. A lifelong Christian, Ms. Mitchell was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and a faithful member of the Night Circle. Among her many activities were the Forrest City Musical Coterie, a supper club of friends, and was a Life member of Junior Auxiliary. She was a volunteer usher at The Orpheum in Memphis and the Arkansas Rep Theatre in Little Rock. In addition, she enjoyed reading, bird watching, interior design, and traveling. She was a loving mother to her children and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Ms. Mitchell had affectionately been known as Mama Dot. She was a warm, gentle Southern lady who was an outstanding cook and a gracious hostess She was also a very strong, independent and focused individual. Ms. Mitchell is survived by her three children, Lee Mitchell O'Banion of Forrest City, James Robert (Jim) Mitchell, Jr. and wife Karen of Little Rock, and Laura Mitchell Goodwin and husband Greg of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Amy O'Banion Rottinghaus, Mitchell O'Banion, Jay Mitchell, Meredith Mitchell Leal, Aubrey Goodwin, Will Goodwin and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Aubrey Lee(Sonny) Harris, Jr. and a son-in-law, Russell King O'Banion. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home in Forrest City. A memorial service to honor Ms. Mitchell will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Forrest City. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the First United Methodist Church in Forrest City or CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, Ark. 72215.