Helen O’Neal Mitchell, age 94, of McBurg, TN passed away peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2022, at her home.
Mrs. Mitchell was a native of Lincoln County and the daughter of E.R. O’Neal and Mary Gunter O’Neal. She was a member of Beech Grove Methodist Church. As a young girl she helped haul water from the nearby creek to the men as they were laying the rocks during construction of the church. She loved her church family. Mrs. Helen also enjoyed helping with twenty-two years of benefits, barbecues, and other special events at the McBurg Community Center. Throughout their marriage, Mrs. Mitchell worked alongside her husband on their farm. They both took much pride in their farming operation. If she wasn’t in the field with him, she was cooking for the farm helpers. Mrs. Helen also loved gardening and giving food away to her friends and neighbors.
Mrs. Mitchell was blessed with her loving husband of almost 70 years, Edward Mitchell (deceased), and with their three children; Edwena (Harry) Cunningham, Wade Mitchell (deceased), and Nancy (Billy) McFadden. Surviving family members also include seven grandchildren; David (Stephanie) Mitchell, Dana (John III) Bryan, LeaAnne (Chris) Grissom, Betsy (Wayne) Davis, Misty (Blake) Fitzgerald, Eddie (Erinn) Cunningham, and Kyle (Ashley) Norwood; twenty great-grandchildren, as well as one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, December 27, 2022, from 5:00 until 8:00pm at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be at Beech Grove Methodist Church on Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022, at 11:00am. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 until 11:00am. The Rev. Allan Shedd will be officiating the service and burial will follow in Wright’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Helen O’Neal Mitchell.
15 Comments To "Helen O’Neal Mitchell"
#1 Comment By Aron Worley On December 22, 2022 @ 3:09 pm
I only met Nanny in the last year or so. I’ve done work for her family and then for her fixing up her kitchen. In the short time I spent with her she made a big impact. She had me a sweet tea in a glass ready to go, and would let me know I was at home when I was at her house. I think a lot of her and her whole family! Enjoy Heaven Nanny!
#2 Comment By Gary & Brenda Badenhop On December 22, 2022 @ 3:25 pm
We send our sympathy to Mrs. Mitchell’s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers for peace.
#3 Comment By Christie Mitchell Atkins On December 22, 2022 @ 3:31 pm
Edwina and Nancy – Deepest Sympathy on the passing of Mrs. Helen. I have such fond memories of her little Sunday School class on the back pews in Dellrose.
#4 Comment By Judy Stanford On December 22, 2022 @ 5:08 pm
Beautiful lady inside and out ❤
#5 Comment By Deborah and Murray Brown On December 22, 2022 @ 5:19 pm
I have such sweet memories of Nanny at all the birthday parties for Jacob and Jackson! You could tell she loved her family and was so proud of everyone. Sending sincere condolences and much love to all.
#6 Comment By Ed & Vera Campbell On December 22, 2022 @ 5:24 pm
Mrs. Helen was such a friendly, loving person. Her cooking was famous. Our entire family loved her. Edwena & Nancy, and your families, much love and prayers for all of you during this time.
#7 Comment By Shirley Mann On December 22, 2022 @ 5:28 pm
Sending love hugs and prayers for Helens family
#8 Comment By Betty and John Taylor On December 22, 2022 @ 7:24 pm
Edwina and family,
I have fond memories of Mrs. Mitchell from my days of teaching at Boonshill School. She was a lovely lady. Ours prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
#9 Comment By Rexine Douthit Pigg On December 22, 2022 @ 8:38 pm
Dear Edwena & Nancy, I feel richly blessed by knowing your Mom & Dad through the years as outstanding neighbors & friends. Parents like them are truly a treasure. I’ll never forget how kind they always were to me, especially when I spent time in your home. May God comfort you with the assurance that you will join Wade & them in heaven is my prayer. ❤️❤️❤️
#10 Comment By Cherye Hobbs Dyer On December 23, 2022 @ 9:16 am
I have nothing but good memories of this sweet lady and her family. I spent so many nights at their house with Edwena (Pete). Great family.
#11 Comment By Carolyn Barnes On December 23, 2022 @ 5:08 pm
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing.She was such a sweet & kind person.Our thoughts & prayers are with the familyiat this time of your loss.Joe & Kaye Barnes
#12 Comment By Cindy Mingle On December 23, 2022 @ 8:50 pm
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Helen’s passing. She was always so nice and kind. Hugs to you, Edwena and Nancy. Prayers for your families.
#13 Comment By James Beddingfield On December 25, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
My grandmother Katie Lou Mitchell would talk about Mrs. Helen in a way that you knew she was a wonderful person. They were neighbors for 50 or more years. I spent the summers on Leatherwood Rd. for years. Those were wonderful times. I still think of Mr. Bud to the north and the Mitchell brothers to the south. All will be remembered fondly.
#14 Comment By Rexine Douthit Pigg On December 28, 2022 @ 8:00 am
She was a great lady I admired thru the years!
#15 Comment By Sybil Haislip Patterson On December 28, 2022 @ 11:17 am
Edwena and Nancy, I am so sorry to learn of your mama’s passing. She was so blessed with a good long life and love of her family. May your precious memories forever keep her close to you and may God bless you and comfort you as only He can.