Carolyn L. Mitchell

Carolyn Louise (Ellison) Mitchell, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Flat Rock surrounded by her children and their spouses. Carolyn was born on May 14, 1943 in Kankakee, Illinois to Frank and Marie (Cunningham) Ellison. She enjoyed her childhood by traveling with family friends and spending time at her grandfather’s farm in Tennessee. Carolyn was proud to become a big sister to her sissy Deborah and brother Dennis. Carolyn graduated from Halls High School in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1961. On June 29, 1963, she married the love of her life James W. Mitchell. Carolyn and James welcomed their first child, Todd the following June. Their daughter, Kimberly was born when they moved to Monroe, Michigan in 1967. After devoting herself to being a stay-at-home mother to her children, Carolyn helped take care of many other children when she drove a school bus for students in Huron, Woodhaven and Flat Rock Schools, respectively. A devoted Christian, Carolyn was a member at Petersburg Missionary Baptist Church, where she played piano for the congregation. After Sunday services, she enjoyed going out to lunch with family. As an avid sports fan, Carolyn cheered for the Detroit Pistons and University of Michigan football and basketball teams. She looked forward to Friday Night Bingo with her daughter, daughter-in-law and all of the “Bingo Girls”. Carolyn is survived by her son Todd and Jennifer of Monroe, MI; daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Brian Yates of Lincoln Park, MI; grandson Alan of North Charleston, SC; sister Deborah and brother-in-law Jimmy Madon of Knoxville,TN; brother Dennis and sister-in-law Mary Ellison of Louisville, KY; brother Ed and sister-in-law Kathy McCarter of Carleton, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She preceded in death by her beloved husband James, father Frank Ellison and mother Marie McCarter. Visitation will be held this Sunday from 1-7 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161 where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Reverends JC Adams and Ernest Fultz will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Huron Valley Cemetery in Flat Rock MI. In lieu flowers, donations can be made to the Petersburg Missionary Baptist Church at 5009 Sylvania-Petersburg Rd, Petersburg, MI 49270.

Carolyn L. Mitchell

May 14, 1943 - May 8, 2018