Mary Evelyn Mitchell's Obituary
Mary Evelyn Martin Mitchell of the Elderville/Lakeport community passed from this life on April 10, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born on May 28, 1928, on the banks of the Chickahominy River in Lanexa, Virginia, to Malcolm Montreville Martin and Ruth Evelyn Hall Martin. Her family moved to Longview in 1935, and as one of three sisters, she attended First Ward grade school, Foster Jr. High, and graduated from Longview High School in 1945. Mary played French horn in the high school band and also played the violin. These musical endeavors were a precursor for her love of music her whole life, especially romantic melodies from movie scores.
Mary met Zack Fall Mitchell, the love of her life, at First Presbyterian Church of Longview in 1947. At that time, she served as secretary of the church. It was love at first sight and after a short courtship, they were married on October 3, 1947, and moved to West Texas. They lived in Iraan, oilfield camps in North Cowden and Goldsmith, Midland, and finally settled in Odessa in furtherance of Zack’s career with Stanolind Oil & Gas (which later became Pan American and then Amoco). While in West Texas, Mary was an active member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church, and was also a part-time school bus driver. She excelled at bridge and made many friends. One of her favorite pastimes was going to the drive-in theater every Tuesday night.
In 1982, Mary and Zack built their dream home on the Mitchell farm in the Elderville/Lakeport area, and Zack retired. Mary reunited with the First Presbyterian Church of Longview; a church her grandfather, Robert McAlphin Hall, PhD, pastored in earlier years. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mary was a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, decorator, and gardener. Refinishing furniture and beautifying her home with antiques were part of this love of decorating. She never lost her passion for her projects in her home and yard. She was also passionate about the chihuahuas in her life.
Mary was predeceased by one sister, Elizabeth Lee Dunaway Boone, and is survived by another sister Patricia Martin Taylor of Longview; two sons- Ronald Hall Mitchell and wife, Nan, of Lakeport and David Gardiner Mitchell and wife, Ginger, of Fredericksburg. She is also survived by grandsons Matthew Mitchell and wife, Gretchen, of Austin, Dr. Kent Mitchell and wife, Grace, of Ft. Worth, and Gabe Mitchell and wife, April, of Katy, as well as ten great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, in the Walnut Grove family cemetery on FM 349 in the Elderville/Lakeport community with the Rev. Evan Dolive officiating. The Mitchell family wishes to express great appreciation to Our Helping Hands, who cared for Mary the last five years, with special thanks to Teleder Leatch. Arrangements are being handled by Rader Funeral Home.
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