Verda Mitchell Gill

Verda Mitchell Gill, 85, of Longview, Texas, passed away Feb 7, 2017. She was born September 11, 1931 in Kirbyville, Texas to Ives Claude Mitchell and Lillie Viola Jackson Mitchell of Kirbyville, Texas, on her parent’s anniversary. Her Dad said it was the best present ever. Verda was one of ten children. She was proceeded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert Bain Mitchell and Charles Lee Mitchell, and three sisters, Frances Viola O'Daniel, Claudia Virginia Buchanan, and Iris Fay Clarkston. She is survived by three sisters, Elsie Pearl Kirbow, Hazel Irene McDonald and Bertie Inez Mason, and brother, Jerome Thomas Mitchell, who will miss her dearly. After graduating Kirbyville High School, she married and started her family in Bacliff, Texas. She is survived by her four children, Gary Michael Luman and wife Crystal of Decatur, Texas, Janet Lynn Sullivan of Longview, Tammy Annette Hutchison and husband Mike of Irving, Texas and Robert Kevin "Spooky" Luman and wife Susan of Longview, Texas. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She devoted her life to Jesus Christ and was saved by Grace, through Faith at the early age of twelve. She said there were popcorn clouds and a blue sky the day of her baptism. She attended North Longview Baptist Church, pastored by Tommy Dorgan. She loved her family and friends, cooking everyone’s favorite dish or dessert (and there was a lot), using her beautiful soprano voice singing in the church choir, and teaching Sunday school until her small frame could no longer carry her supply bag. Through her teaching and devotion to living for the Lord there is an untold number of souls that she guided on their path to salvation. She was kind to everyone she met because everyone was someone special in her eyes. After Christ, her family was of utmost importance. She raised her children to love the Lord, know the power of prayer, and meet with the Body of Christ. She was always in attendance at all her children’s different activities. All her friends were special to her. She loved to get cards in the mail and any small gift to her was as treasured as much as the most elegant. She was joyfully positive and was always thankful for what the Lord provided. She will be sorely missed by her children and all that knew her. A special thanks to Dr. Rodney Sloan for his gentle care, Dr. Larry Frase and staff for their expertise in not only treating her, but her family as well, and Summer Meadows Rehab for their gracious service. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2017, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with the Reverend Tommy Dorgan officiating. Interment will follow in Rosewood Park. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28

Verda Mitchell Gill

September 11, 1931 - February 7, 2017