Belle E. Mitchell

Belle E. Mitchell was born in Marshall, Missouri, on December 1, 1926. Belle later moved to Joliet, Illinois, where she married Jese Mitchell and had four children. Belle always had a passion for helping others, which fueled her desire to become a nurse. Belle graduated from nursing school and was hired at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, Illinois.  In 1958, Belle was eager to grow professionally and seek opportunities for her children, so she moved her family to Kansas City, Missouri. After relocating to Kanas City, Belle was hired as a nurse at Memorial Hospital, where she developed her passion for becoming an obstetrics nurse to help deliver newborns. Belle was very proud that she had the opportunity to help deliver her grandchildren, Mark Thomas, Leon Richardson III, Marlo Thomas, and Felicia Roberts.

Belle E. Mitchell was known as “Grandma” to everyone who entered her home on South Benton Ave. She welcomed and loved everyone who she encountered. Belle joined Willis Chapel A.M.E. Church and was an active church member, specifically working in the kitchen with her church family. Belle later became a Steward, a member of the Missionary Society, and she was elated when she was named one of the mothers of the church, a Deaconess. She received her Cleo B. pin for her dedication to her faith and church. Belle also received several other awards from Menorah Hospital, including two diamond pins for her 10 years and 25 years of dedicated service.

Belle. E. Mitchell, Grandma, leaves to mourn in her passing one very devoted daughter, Diane Thomas (Ronnie), two grandchildren that she helped raise like her very own Mark Thomas (Sherry), Marlo Thomas, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, a very two close friends, Betty Foster-Kascht and Julianne Ellingburg, and a host of nieces, cousins, and loving friends.

Belle E. Mitchell’s mother, father, brother, sister, two daughters, son, husband, grandson, and great-grandson preceded her in death.