Cecilia Mitchell
Cecilia Florence Mitchell
10 Nov 1951 - 26 Apr 2015
Clubs & Associations
Obituary
Mitchell Cecilia F.
Cecilia F.Mitchell, known as Ceci, passed away on April 26, 2015. As an activist for civil rights for all people, she was a member of the Atlanta Lesbian Feminist Alliance and the socialist-feminist group Atlanta Women's Union. She was part of Stop the Road fight in the 1980s, to keep a proposed freeway from destroying the Little Five Points neighborhoods. She co-founded Lucina's Music which brought openly lesbian performers to Atlanta audiences from 1977 to the early 1990s.. She did media campaign work for US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. She traveled to Washington DC for many demonstrations against war and for gay rights, including the 50th anniversary of 1963 March on Washington in August 2013.
Ceci was a bird watcher and nature lover who kayaked, hiked and bicycled. A Grady Hospital mental health counselor, her clients were abused children and low income adults. As a journalist, she won recognition from the Georgia Press Association. She was an honors graduate of the University of Michigan and earned Masters degrees in both Couseling and Public Relations from Georgia State University. She was interred in Michigan.
A Celebration of Life memorial service followed by a potluck lunch will be held Saturday, June 13, beginning at 11:30am at the First Existential Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Drive, Atlanta 30307. Please bring a drink or dish to share. Memorial donations may be made to Sierra Club, the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition or Georgians for Gun Safety.[1]
Cecilia Florence Mitchell was born on November 10, 1951 in Lexington, Kentucky to her proud parents, Lloyd and Clara Mitchell. She was the second child, following her brother, Lloyd Thomas. She later became a big sister to two younger sisters and two younger brothers - Julia Anne, Marguerite Michelle, Johnston Mark (wife, Brenda), and James Christopher (wife, Cheryl). Ceci was her preferred name, and she was named after her father’s mother.
Ceci resided for the large part of her adult life in Atlanta, Georgia, working professionally as a counselor in private practice and ultimately at Grady Memorial Hospital. She also practiced and refined her writing skills and talent as a journalist for different daily newspapers in between studies for two Master’s degrees in Psychology and Public Relations. Other professional work included acting working as the spokesperson for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Early childhood for Ceci revolved around Sunday School, mischief making like hiding behind the living room chair or climbing high up a on farm truck to trick her Dad, being a girl scout who loved to sing Kum Ba Yah, and getting good grades to satisfy her thirst for knowledge (and parents who were public school teachers). During junior high, she became the class vice president, using the slogan, Good Things Come in Small Packages.
Cecilia F. Mitchell
Let us remember – our joy of knowing Cecilia F. Mitchell, 1951-2015. Let us celebrate her life with praise and thanksgiving. May the sorrow of her passing grant us God’s peace through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for his mercy endureth forever. Amen!
Risk taker, achiever and helpful soul. Cecilia Florence Mitchell, 63, of Atlanta, GA passed away on April 26, 2015.
Born on Nov. 10, 1951 in Lexington, KY, Ceci was the daughter of the late Lloyd A. Mitchell and surviving Clara J. Mitchell.
Ceci attended Kersley K-12 Public Schools in Flint, MI. Her early childhood revolved around Sunday School, mischief making like hiding behind the living room chair or climbing high up a on farm truck to trick her Dad, being a Girl Scout who loved to sing Kum Ba Yah, and getting good grades to satisfy her thirst for knowledge (and parents who were public school teachers).
Young Ceci claimed the gold medal in archery in Flint Olympic and CANUSA games.
During junior high, she became the class vice president, using the slogan, ‘Good Things Come in Small Packages.’ As a high school student, she played flute in the concert and marching bands, participated and won awards in forensics competition, and played the lead in George Orwell’s drama, 1984.
She attended University of Michigan and graduated with honors, receiving an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Her Master’s degrees were both from Georgia State University.
Ceci resided for the large part of her adult life in Atlanta, Georgia, working professionally as a counselor in private practice and ultimately at Grady Memorial Hospital where she was loved by her patients. Grady co-works commented that she was, “really good at her job – she always had the healthiest lunch – she went out of her way to let others know when they were doing a good job – she was generous with sharing knowledge – went out of her way to help patients. Ceci offered a lot depth and wide range of interest.”
She also practiced and refined her writing skills and talent as a journalist for different daily newspapers in between studies for a Master’s degrees in Psychology. She more recently received a second Master’s degree in Public Relations – taking on receiving an advanced degree in her late 50’s. She was very proud of this accomplishment. Other professional work included acting as the spokesperson for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ceci was a gentle soul who always took up the cause of the underdog. She was active in all movements for freedom, civil rights and women’s rights. Ceci had an open mind about all things and a keen intelligence. Her Atlanta Involvements and Volunteer Work included: Women’s Outdoor Network, encouraging outdoor activities for women of all ages, Gaggle, a small birding group of close friends, Stop the Road 1986 to stop a parkway from cutting through her neighborhood, Lucina’s Music, promoting women’s music, National Coalition Against Racism, Witness Against Executions and the Obama Campaign.
A social activist who believed and participated in many causes; she rode the bus numerous time to Washington D.C. to protest the war in Iraq – voting rights – equality for women and farmers for the poor and underprivileged. Her most recent to Washington D.C. was for the “50th March Anniversary on Washington’.
She devoted much energy to environmental issues among them GANE (Georgians Against Nuclear Energy). Participating in groups education and outreach efforts in the State of Georgia and her country.
As a writer, Ceci received many journalism awards. Gwinnett Daily News articles received commendations on: Doctors Face Difficult Questions When Religion and Medicine Collide, Crime Victims Advocacy Council, Georgia High School’s Mock Trial Competition.
Georgia Press Association Award for Best Newswriting for the Times Georgian,
Children Under Oath, about abused children having to testify against their parents.
Ceci loved to visit family. She traveled to every family event to enjoy uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Ceci called her mom every night to check in and delight in the day’s events. She brought celebration and adventure to all the family, never hesitant to ski, swim or play a board game with the children. Her many hobbies included travel, cross country skiing, golf and swimming, hiking, bird watching, political activism, and she was a member of the Lutheran Church. Ceci kayaked amongst the glaciers in the Kodiak Islands of Alaska – a dream come true for her. She loved animals, including her dog, Nattie, whom she rescued several years ago.
Cecilia Florence Mitchell is survived by her mother, Clara; five siblings, Lloyd Thomas Mitchell, Julia Anne Mitchell, Marguerite Michele Mitchell, Johnston Mark Mitchell (and his wife, Brenda), James Christopher Mitchell (and his wife, Cheryl). And, ten neices and nephews, Shannon Mitchell (and his wife, Lis), Lloyd Andrew II Mitchell (and his wife, Angela), Christopher Mitchell, Katie Mitchell, Alyssa Mitchell, Jessica Mitchell, Helene Mitchell and Flora Mitchell, Natasha Hunter Sibanda (and her husband, Farai) and Katrina Mitchell and eight great-grandchildren. Carey Esther Mitchell (infant sister) and Lloyd A. Mitchell (father) preceded her in death.
May her love and devotion to share and help those for whom she was deeply concerned be her legacy to all of us who loved and enjoyed her loving, giving and joyful spirit.
She will be truly missed and will live in our memories and heart forever if needed.
Funeral services were held with Pastor Krach presiding and Susan Myers as organist on May 3.
Let us celebrate the life of Cecilia Florence Mitchell.[2]
Memorial Panel
- 3LL | Hotlanta Squares
Photos
Obituary ('Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Obituary (Atlanta) photo
Obituary (Gladwin) photo
