Rev. Russell Ballard Mitchell, Sr.,   age 90, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2015 at approximately 10:02 p.m. at Lost Creek Care Center in Lima.

He was born on June 7, 1924 in Lima, Ohio to the union of Miles L. and Geraldine Goodman Mitchell, Sr. and both parents preceded him in death.

On June 21, 1958 he was united in holy matrimony to Frances Jane Bowels, who preceded him in death on September 27, 1991.

Rev. Mitchell retired from the Lima City Schools after 25 years of service.   He was a veteran of the United States Navy.  He was a member of St. African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was the associate Pastor for 33 years having served under 8 different pastors. He also served on the Steward Board as well as the Sick and Shut in Ministry handing out communion to all.  He was the former Pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal in Van Wert, Ohio for 27 years, he was a true warrior for God.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory  a son:  Russell C. Mitchell, Jr. of Lima.  2 daughters; Rochelle J. Mitchell of Dallas, TX and Roxanne J. Petty (Arthur) of Lima. 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister; Betty J. Hamilton and a brother; Miles L. Mitchell, Jr.

Home going services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. African Methodist Episcopal Church, with Rev. Thomas H. Fant, officiating and Rev. James McLemore, eulogizing.