LEWISBURG — Isaac Leondis Mitchell, 91, of Lewisburg,
formerly of Renick, died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center following an extended
illness.
Born Oct. 29, 1915, he was the son of the late John W. and
Murtha M. Callison Mitchell.
A graduate from Meadow Bridge High School, he earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Berea College, majoring in
biology with minors in chemistry and physics. He continued
his education, earning a Master’s degree in secondary
education from Duke University.
He began his career in education
as a teacher at Consolidated High School in Thaxton, Miss., then
continued teaching science at Smoot and Alderson High Schools. After
teaching he served as principal of both Smoot Elementary and
Alderson High Schools. Before retiring in 1976, he served as the
director of instruction at Lewisburg, and then he became the West
Virginia Department of Education coordinator of field services. He
served in that capacity from 1961-1976 while stationed at Concord
College where he also supervised student teachers. After retiring,
he served as the adviser to Beckley College, helping it gain
accreditation from North Central Association of Schools and
Colleges.
A veteran of the United States Navy in World War II, Mr. Mitchell
served his country honorably in the South Pacific for 27 months. He
remained in the Reserves following his service and received an
honorable discharge. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club
and Clifton Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Bess Caraway
Mitchell, in May 1999, and their only son, John J. Mitchell Sr., in
May 2006.
Survivors include his brother, Champe Mitchell of Front Royal, Va.;
daughter-in-law, Kendal Mitchell; grandson, John J. Mitchell Jr.;
granddaughter-in-law, Marie Mitchell; and three great-grandchildren,
Lauren Marie, Zachary David and Matthew Isaac Mitchell of Tampa,
Fla.
Acknowledgement is given to his many wonderful caregivers and
friends for their love and support over the many months of his
illness.
Service will be 2 p.m. July 5 at McCraw Funeral Home, Lewisburg,
with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. The Rev. Susan Sharp Campbell
will be officiating. Following the funeral service, the family will
receive Isaac’s friends and family at the General Lewis in
Lewisburg. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Donations of sympathy may be made in honor of Isaac Mitchell to
Concord College, P.O. Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712.
