With deep sorrow, yet joyful hearts, we announce the passing of Carol Louise Mitchell at the age of 78. She died peacefully without pain, of a heart attack, in the loving arms of her devoted husband of nearly 60 years.

She was born in Phoenix, Arizona to John Newton of Akron, Ohio, and Daisy Newton of Summerdale, Alabama. As the child of a military family, she lived all over the world including Roswell, Japan, Biloxi, and finally settling in Sacramento where she met her future husband, Will David Mitchell. They were married on June 26, 1965.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She spent 2-3 hours daily in prayer and scripture study, in her cherished "War Room," lifting up friends and strangers alike, with the same devotion that she spread lavishly on her beloved family.

But far more than that, she prayed and sang throughout her day. She practiced the admonition of Paul to "Pray without ceasing." She was a peace maker; her family proclaimed that she was the glue that held her family together.

Carol possessed a gift for bringing joy to others. For example, in her younger years, she utterly charmed the Beale Officers Wives Club as Master of Ceremonies, two years running, leaving audiences literally falling in the aisles with her humor and natural charm.

Her passion for cooking led to a successful column as a gourmet cook, sharing her expertise with readers for several years.

At Vance Air Force Base, Carol was the heart of the social scene, gracefully filling her role as the pilot commander's wife and planning memorable events that brought the flying community together. Whether hosting an event or welcoming rowdy guests into her home, she made everyone feel special and valued. She even shared her home with some. And in later years, she took in homeless people for extended stays, many times.

Her beautiful, caroling voice, her love of music and dance, and her warm personality created an atmosphere of joy wherever she went. She was forever in song, singing her way through life.

She loved all of God's creation. She planted flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and kept many animals. Over the years, there were a fire-bellied newt, tropical and freshwater fish, a hamster, a gerbil, two dogs, and perhaps a dozen cats. The last four cats still mope around the house looking for her.

Carol had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel like family, and indeed, she had no enemies, only friends, devoted customers, and loved ones who cherished her deeply.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Will David; her children John, Christie, and Andrew; god-daughters Meri and Corisa; grandsons Joshua, Auron, and Draven; great granddaughter Vivien; sister Jannette; nephew Scott; and many cousins.

Though our hearts literally ache with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Carol is now where she always knew she would be, singing and dancing with the angels and Jesus in glorious Heaven. Her legacy of faith, love, and joy lives on in all whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Love and Life service will be held at Trinity Church, San Diego, California, on May 7th at 11:00 AM, where we will gather to honor a woman who truly knew how to live and love. A potluck will follow in the church courtyard.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity San Diego in Carol's name.

https://trinitysandiego.org/give/