Martha B. Mitchell

Martha Burks Mitchell passed on to her eternal home with streets of gold, into the presence of her Savior, on

June 4, 2024 in Mineola, Texas. Martha was born on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1931 in Millport, Alabama to

Sarah Gertrude and Jacob Nathaniel Burks. She was the oldest of their four daughters.

When Martha was eight, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida, where her dad was a machinist at the Naval

Air Station. It was in Pensacola that she met Frank Mitchell, who was stationed at the base and a parachute

rigger on the USS Leyte Aircraft Carrier during the Korean War. Frank became the love of her life, and they married on August 4, 1950. They welcomed a daughter, Sarah Darlene, to their family in 1952, followed by Carol Denece, who joined in 1954.

Frank joined the family business, managing sales of pianos and organs, which took them to Columbia, South

Carolina until 1961, when they moved to Garland, Texas. While living in Garland, Martha was active as PTA

president at the girls’ school. As members of First Baptist Church, Garland, she served as WMU president,

Girl’s Auxiliary director, and taught Sunday School. Martha was a full-time homemaker. She taught herself

how to sew and was quite an accomplished seamstress, making the majority of clothing for the girls. Martha

was also a member of the local garden club and participated in floral arranging competitions.

In 1973, Martha and Frank relocated to Eugene, and later Dexter, Oregon to care for Frank’s elderly mother.

While living in Oregon, Martha worked as a property manager in real estate. They remained in Oregon until

1992, when they began adventures around the US in their RV. Martha and Frank settled in Mineola, Texas in

1994, which would be their home through their final years. They were members of First Baptist Church,

Mineola. Martha participated in Lake Brenda Women's Association, Mineola Study Club and volunteered for Meals

on Wheels.

Wherever they lived, Martha had beautiful flowers growing in the yard, which were often shared to cheer a

friend. As Darlene and Denece became adults and made visits home, there were always flowers on the night

stands. Martha was a talented and creative cook, and often hosted friends at their home. Martha enjoyed

golf, hiking, cross country skiing, and playing games with her family. She loved her family, each and every one,

unconditionally, and led by example to care for others outside their family.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, her mother and father, and sister Hazel Burks Dagle. She is

survived by her daughters Darlene (Larry) Sorrels and Denece (DeWayne) Hodges; three grandchildren – Aaron

(Lara) Sorrels, Stephanie (Scott) Foster and Allison (John) Leftwich; and five great grandchildren – Hudson,

Harrison, Hayes, Magnolia and George. Also surviving are sisters – Dee (Paul) Burks Brennan and Joyce Burks

Block, nephews and nieces – Rick (Kim) Block, Eric (Trish) Dagle, Lisa (Johnny) Dagle, Terri (David) Lammers

and Chris (Elizabeth) Brennan, as well as numerous great nephews and nieces.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Kathy Self for devoted and compassionate care of

Martha, as well as Tina Wade and Hospice of East Texas.

A celebration of life will be June 29, 2024 at 11:00am, at First Baptist Church in Mineola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Martha to the Missions Fund at First Baptist

Church of Mineola (204 N. Johnson Street – Mineola, TX 75773)