Willa M. Mitchell

Willa Mae Mitchell, 81, passed away January 27, 2025, at the home of her daughter, in Grandview, Missouri. She was born March 28, 1943, in Emporia, Kansas to Leonard and Ila Mae Grider. Losing her mother at the age of 3, she spent her early years in Eudora, Kansas, being cared for by her grandmother, Edna Mae Grider. Later she moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she attended Manual High School, graduating in 1961. She was proud of being a “Manualite” and remained close to her classmates throughout the years. She was instrumental in starting the Manual High School Alumni organization, serving as President, and a committee member.

She began her working career at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant and then went on to work at Walker Electric Company, Time DC Trucking Company, and finally retiring from Yellow Freight Transportation, as a Supervisor in Road Dispatch. Her care and concern for “her drivers” as she called them, gained her years of love and respect from them and their wives. Needing something to do after retirement, she went to work for eScreen, processing drug screenings.

Willa was a former member of Second Baptist Church where she served as an Usher, in the kitchen, and a member of the Love Bunch. She then became a member of Trinity Temple, Church of God in Christ for many years and was a faithful and loyal member of the Beautification and Welcome Committee, Greeter, and Secretary to Mother Hunley’s Sunday School class.

Always staying busy, Willa had her hands in everything. If she wasn’t planning an event or helping someone with a project, she was hosting holiday parties at her home. Her many club affiliations could attest to the fact that if you wanted a job done with perfection, she was the person to call on. She was a member of numerous clubs: The Saturday Night 16 Club, Ebony Sisters of Spirit book club, Golden Girls Birthday club, and an associate member of AIM-IRS (Association for the Improvement of Minorities in the Internal Revenue Service).

She kept an immaculate home, was an excellent cook, and was known for her delicious rum cakes. If you were in need, she’d come to your rescue, if she was your friend, she was your friend, and you would know it.

Willa met and married the love of her life, Edward Mitchell, Jr., in 1991, and together they created a beautiful, blended family of two daughters and three sons. Willa and Edward shared a love that was full of fondness, affection, adoration, and devotion. Together they experienced so many wonderful things in life, often spending time traveling and enjoying the company of her brother and sister-in-law, Sylvester, and Susie.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband Edward Mitchell of the home; daughters: Cynthia Grider of Euless, TX, and Ja Rita Hill (Darryl) of Grandview, MO; sons: James Williams Jr. (Stacy), Andre Mitchell (Layla) of Kansas City, MO and her bonus son Eric Thomas, Baltimore, MD; brother-in- laws: Sylvester Mitchell (Susie) of Las Vegas, NV, Cloyd Mitchell of Atlanta, GA, Arthur Mitchell (Regina) and Willie Mitchell of St. Louis MO; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

She also leaves to cherish her best friend and sister, Leola Duncan. They were named Thelma & Louise by their daughters; her sister friends: Richetta Gilkey, Joann West, Colleen Asberry, Cynthia Bland, and Lenora Crowder; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.