Joseph Hirem Mitchell

Mr. Joseph Hirem Mitchell, 73, of Benoit, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2016, at his home. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Ray Funeral Home. A second visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Benoit Union Church with Celebration of Life services immediately following beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Scott Lenoir officiating. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016, at Jersey Settlers Cemetery in Natchez, MS. Mr. Mitchell was born in Duncan on January 23, 1943, to Robert Earl Mitchell and Ruby Mozell Meredith Mitchell. He graduated from Shelby High School and continued his education at Delta State University where he graduated with a degree in Education. He proudly served our country in the United States Army. On April 24, 1965, he married Martha Clyde Coleman in Greenwood. He worked for 40 years as Director in Children's Homes like Palmer Home for Children, Crossnore School in North Carolina, and Natchez Children's Home. Mr. Mitchell ministered to others in many ways whether it be through his skilled piano playing which he often shared at the nursing home and at church, his mission trips in Peru and Cuba, and helping with the Cusco, Peru orphanage.
He is preceded in death his wife, Martha Clyde Coleman Mitchell; parents, Robert Earl Mitchell and Ruby Mozelle Meredith Mitchell; and sister, Lillian Bradley. Mr. Mitchell is survived by his sons, Richard Earl Mitchell of Plantation, FL, and Joseph Paul Mitchell of Meridian; brother, Robert G. Mitchell of Cleveland; sisters, Frances Aiken of Cleveland, Sue Parham of Birmingham, AL, and Dottie Reed (Joe Wayne) of Boyle; brothers-in-law, Scott Lenoir (Harriett) of Gautier, and Al Coleman (Margaret) of Richmond, VA; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Benoit pallbearers will be Lane Jenkins, Charlie Nelson, Dr. Don Maxwell, Joe Wayne Reed, Jr., Emery Skelton, Dr. Kevin Ward, Dr. Ross Ward, Dr. Peter Young. Natchez pallbearers will be Larry Buckley, Steven Eames, Frank Heard, Jonathan Hungford, Geoff Iles, and Chip Sturdivant. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Benoit Union Church with checks designated for The Joe Mitchell Missions Fund P.O. Box 21 Benoit, MS 38725. To view and sign the online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net

First Visitation

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Second Visitation

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Benoit Union Church Preston Street Benoit, Mississippi, United States

Celebration of Life

2:00 pm Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Benoit Union Church Preston Street Benoit, Mississippi, United States

Graveside Services

1:00 pm Thursday, September 8, 2016
Jersey Settlers Cemetery Natchez, MS Natchez, Mississippi, United States