Avis Jeanette Taylor Mitchell, beloved family matriarch, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on June 7, 1933, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late Roy Tillman and Bessie Benson Taylor.
Avis never shied away from hard work. She dedicated 31 years of service to Amana, much of that time working as a brazer. Over the years, she also worked as a waitress at several local restaurants, including The Ranch House, Bar-B-Que Shack, and Town and Country, and faithfully ran both morning and afternoon paper routes. No matter the job, Avis approached her work with determination, pride, and a tireless spirit.
Her most important role, however, was that of mother and granny. She helped raise three generations of her family, and her loved ones were always at the center of her life. Avis was known for her sweet nature, strong work ethic, and ever-present smile. She never complained, always kept going, and was a friend to many. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Terry) Honey; sons, Michael (Kim) Mitchell, Mark (Teresa) Mitchell, Marty Mitchell, and Myron (Melena) Mitchell; grandchildren, Heather (Chad) Pruett, Tiffany (Austin) Ervin, Alison (Jason) Campbell, Ashley (Randy) Bills, Cody (Michelle) Mitchell, Daniel Hargrove, Diego Lopez, Miles Mitchell, Bailey Mitchell, and Kelsey Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Ethan Pruett, Brylea Pruett, Grant Ervin, Zoey Campbell, Braxton Rhodes, Bryce Bills, Jaxon Mitchell, Aaden Mitchell, Gavin Mitchell, and Luca Bryson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Avis was preceded in death by her husband, John Fred Mitchell; daughter, Brenda Mitchell Millican; great-grandson, James Taylor Campbell; and brothers and sisters, J.D. Taylor, Syrenia Norman, Rosa Lee Steele, Grover Bennett, Ruth Ramsey, Virginia Simms, Carl Taylor, James Taylor, Vernon Taylor, Roy Taylor, Jr., Harold Dean Taylor, Robert Earl Taylor, Joe Donald Taylor, and Thomas Alexander Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Black officiating. Burial will follow in Gatlin Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 12 PM to 2 PM on Tuesday at Higgins.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Avis Jeanette Taylor Mitchell.


So sorry for your loss such a sweet lady. prayers to the family
Teresa and family i am so sorry to hear of Mrs Avis passing. She was such a special lady always so friendly. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa & Family, We are so sorry for ya’ll loss prayers to the family at this time. May god give ya’ll comfort and love in the days to come.
Sweet family of Mrs Avis,
It’s hard losing a parent but as her obituary reads, she was a great lady and she loved each one of you! Remember to keep her memories in your heart and she will always be close by.
We are So Sorry. Always enjoyed talking to her At Amana Goodman. Beautiful Lady inside and out. God Bless the Family With Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come.❤️🙏❤️
Mark I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. You are in my prayers