Opal E. Mitchell, devoted to family

Opal E. Mitchell, 79, of Milton, passed away peacefully Friday, March 9, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Saturday, Jan. 7, 1939, in Berwyn, Md., daughter of the late Wade A. and Carrie E. (Dean) Shifflett.

Mrs. Mitchell had a long career starting with the Singer-Link Company, where she worked for over 10 years as an executive secretary. She later worked as a bookkeeper in Laurel, Md., at H.T. Brown Real Estate before moving to work alongside her husband at J.W. Mitchell Insurance Agency in Columbia Md., up until her retirement in 2002.

Following her retirement, Mrs. Mitchell and her husband moved to the beach. Here she enjoyed soaking up the sun and reading a good book. She was also a member of the Lewes Church of Christ. More than anything, Mrs. Mitchell enjoyed being there for her kids, and never missing a chance to spend time with them. Mrs. Mitchell was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mitchell was preceded in death by her four siblings: Carol Shifflett, Winifred Daves, Norwood Shifflett and the Rev. Ronald Shifflett. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jim W. Mitchell Jr.; her two sons: Todd J. Mitchell and James W. Mitchell III, both of Milton; her daughter, Cindy Carr and her husband Dr. Stephen Carr of Fulton, Md.; her two grandchildren, Kyle A. Hollo and Kaitlyn D. Hollo; her two sisters: Margie Schinner and her husband Burr of Danville, Calif., and Sue Long of Laurel; her one brother, William Shifflett of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and her beloved dog, Hachi.

A Celebration of Mrs. Mitchell's Life will be held Friday, March 16, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Mitchell's memory to the Lewes Church of Christ, 15183 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, DE 19968, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, the nonprofit whose outstanding compassion and care was instrumental in Opal and her family's comfort.

Please visit Mrs. Mitchell's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.