Mrs. Shirley Beatrice Thomas Mitchell Christian, a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and friend departed this life in the wee hours of Good Friday Morning, April 18, 2025, surrounded by all six of her children and some grandchildren.

A native of Northampton County, Shirley was born in Reidtown, Virginia on Monday, March 14, 1938, to the late Beulah Thomas and Richard Reid.  She was raised by her mom and stepfather, William Thomas in their blended family and educated in the Northampton Public Schools System.  She joined the African Baptist Church at a very young age and was a faithful member until the end.  She married the love of her life, Joseph "Joe" Mitchell and together they raised their six children.

Shirley loved to cook and enjoyed family gatherings.  She delivered meals on holidays and sometimes on "just-because" days.  With a big heart, she wanted to be sure that the sick and shut-in and those less fortunate had something to eat and to know that she cared about them.  Let us not forget about Old Fashion Day at African Baptist Church. Shirley would plan and invite everyone she knew, community members and people everywhere, to join as the committee cooked and served the most delicious food.  Even the attire worn spoke volumes about how much thought, love, time and energy was spend making the day extra special and unforgettable for all who attended.

Shirley worked many, many jobs. A few of the memorable ones were a cook with the Kansas City Royals farm team in Florida, a cook with East Coast Migrant HeadStart, and a cook at Cheriton Primary School where she introduced the staff and children to Alabama biscuits.  Her sweet potato biscuits, clam fritters, and fried chicken were by far the best.  For years, she had her own food truck where she delivered meals to "her guys" at Bayshore.  She took pride in her restaurant in Eastville where she cooked, served, and conversed with the locals as well as those traveling the area.

While helping and serving the public, Shirley was faithful to her church.  She was a devoted Deaconess, church organizer, and member of Choir #2.  Sunday was a full day of work for the Lord, and she was sure to attend every event whether it was at her church or at another.  One could always recognize her for the many lovely hats she enjoyed wearing.  She initiated and held a very successful annual 100 HAT MARCH and 100 MEN in BLACK MARCH at church.  A few years ago, she became unable to attend many events, but she was happy to welcome visits at the home of her daughter, Mary and granddaughter, Ashanti.  Nevertheless, she was always dressed as if it were Sunday.  Additionally, Mother was an avid sports fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the former Brooklyn Dodgers now, LA Dodgers.  In fact, she loved all sports.  She also was a member of Club Chattauqua and faithfully attended the Northampton County Class Reunion every two years.

Muh "as her children and their friends lovingly call her" was born on a Monday which symbolizes someone with a beautiful or pleasant appearance and a positive attitude.  She never met a stranger.  If she didn't know you, she would ask, "Who's your people?"  She never knew anyone she could not converse with.  She never failed to smile.  She was always willing to listen.  She loved others.  She was a beautiful soul inside and out.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, mother, father, sisters (Irene Hyslop, Virginia Wynder, Teresa (Cutie) Simon, Mable Thomas, Pauline Banks and Alice Watson): brothers: (William George Thomas, Madison (Mack) Thomas, and James "Bubba) Reid), and her granddaughter (Jennifer Malbon).

Those left cherishing Shirley's memory are her daughters: Joyce Malbon (Johnnie), Shirleen Church, Mary Mitchell: sons: Joseph, Jr, Maury and Christopher Mitchell; grandchildren Tasha Church Hoffler, Joyvan Malbon Griffin (Bruce), Curtavis Mitchell (Ciara), Joseph Mitchell, III (Rachel), Ashanti Mitchell, Olivia Mitchell, Christopher Mitchell, Jr, Lauryn Mitchell, Alyssa Mitchell, and Maya Mitchell: great grandchildren: Chloe Madison Hoffler, Denai Griffin, Caiden Mitchell, Stacyn Griffin, Jennifer Griffin, McKenzi Sample, Nimah Mitchell, Bruce Griffin, III, Curtavis Mitchell, Jr, Jaya Mitchell, and Joseph Mitchell, IV; brothers: Frizzel Thomas, Lorenzo Thomas (Betty), and James Thomas; three faithful nieces: Phyllis Wiggins, Brenda Wynder, and Angela Thomas Colvin; nephews, cousins, a devoted caregiver like a daughter who called her Aunt Shirley, Lynea Jackson; her three dear friends who were like sisters; Odessa Wynder, Gloria (Print) Hicks and Juanita Lane; four ladies she called her bonus daughters, Patricia Simpkins Jones, Deborah Griffin, Kim Harmon and Melody Thomas, a bonus son, Parnell Satchell, a very large large host of other family members, friends and the Cheriton Crossroads Community.

Grandma let her light shine in her home, in her heart, and everywhere she went.  She was our bright Light and it grew bigger even through the pain.  That light will shine forever.  It will never be dim.  It will never fade.  Thank you Lord, for all you have done for her.  Rest well Muh until we see you again.