Barbara Ann Mitchell

On the early afternoon of May 5, 2022, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reached down to pick a precious flower for his garden.

Barbie was her nickname.  She was born to the Late Mary E. Haynes Riddick and Frank M. Riddick Jr. in (Princess Anne County), Virginia Beach, Virginia. She graduated from Floyd E. Kellam high school in 1970.  She was a member of the Drill team, a stepper and danced on the iconic popular TV show American Bandstand. She had an entrepreneurial spirit in high school, selling candy, chicken etc.. to the neighborhood kids.

Shortly after graduating she worked in the Food Service industry, eventually becoming a stay at home Mom after marrying James Gathan Mitchell Sr. (Bowe). Cooking was more than a task to meet ends, Barbie enjoyed it. She was very attentive and close to her Mom where she acquired her cooking skills, they talked  2-3 times daily before her Mom's death. She loved her family deeply, children and grandchildren always giving them her last.  She was an artist at teaching love and patience, resilience. She was always kind, gentle, and smiled through situations others could only endure; she had a impeccable memory and a contagious laugh.

Barbie loved decorative flowers and it wasn't unusual to find one or two displayed in her hair.  She was a former member of Mount Nebo #70 United Order of Tents. She attended Campbell's Chapel A.M.E. Church in her youth: later she became a member of Grace Pentecostal Church in Virginia Beach under the leadership of Elder Robert Albritton, where she served as church Secretary.  She loved attending Church and singing, she loved music in general. One of the favorite songs she sang was 'God has smiled on me.'

She is predeceased in death by her mother and father, her brothers Frank M. Riddick lll, Donnell C. Riddick, and Herman B. Riddick.

She is survived by her devoted son: James Gathan. Mitchell Jr. (JJ.), and Bobby Deon Mitchell: daughter: Tiracia Shatia Wiggins (Tee).  Her grandsons: James Gathan Mitchell lll, Bobby Deon Mitchell Jr.,(BJ) (Kiersten), Manuel Savinon Jr.,  Noah Mitchell, Joshua Trice grand daughters: Bobbi Mitchell, Keara Mitchell (Kiki), Destiny Mitchell, Natasha Trice and grandchildren: Karter, Khai, Kody, and Deasia, Cataleya, & Cassius. 

Her brothers: Barry D. Riddick (Sharon), Randy W. Riddick and sisters: Diane L. Mullens (John), Daphne M. Riddick, Sandy R.. Porter(Mike), Karen B. Holley (Isaiah), and Melody G. Avila. one Aunt Bernice Phillips of Lofton, New York: and one Uncle James E. Riddick of Chicago,Illinois and a host of cousins, family. and friends.

 She will be missed dearly. God has sat her free indeed. Love Barbie.

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