Theoplis Mitchell, Sr. "Sonny" (Lansing)

Theoplis “Sonny” Mitchell Sr. transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 23, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer at home, surrounded by his family and close friends at age 86 years old. Sonny or Son, as he was affectionately called, was the fifth blessing to Virgil and Eather Mitchell, born on October 8, 1935, in Curtis, Arkansas. He was by far the favorite sibling of his oldest sister Cozetta Duncan, who lovingly called him “Baby.”

Sonny accepted Christ at an early age, faithfully attending Mt. Friendship Baptist Church in Curtis, Arkansas, every Sunday with his mother and siblings. He remained a member—despite the physical distance—until his passing. Sonny attended Curtis public schools and graduated from Peake High School. He ran track, played on his high school softball team, and won several state championships. After graduation, he moved to Lansing, Michigan to work for General Motors Corporation, where he remained until he retired in 1991 after 37 years of service. In Lansing, he met his first wife, Mildred Sanders, and to this union, he was blessed with his five children: Sharon, twins-Londell and Annell, Theoplis Jr., and Lisa. After their marriage ended, he met Emma “Helen” Seawood and her daughter Lorraine. He and Helen were married in 1972 and remained united until her passing in 2020. 

Sonny was a faith-filled man of GOD, who loved his family very much. He was a man with a compassionate heart, integrity, strong, dependable, honest, and a hardworking provider for his family and extended family. He was affectionately called Grandpa and PawPaw by his grandchildren and Uncle Son by his many nieces and nephews. He never met a stranger, always smiling and conversing with all he met, and was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. A few of his favorite past times were working on cars, sitting out in his driveway with the fellas shooting the breeze, barbequing for every holiday and the annual family reunions, whether it be here or back home in Curtis, and let’s not forget softball; playing whenever and wherever there was a game to be played. He was still playing at 70+ years old, and then an injury to his eye made him decide it was time to call it quits. He became the team’s coach, cheerleader, and umpire when he was no longer able to play!

He was an avid sports fan, football being his favorite. He was glued to the TV every Saturday and Sunday for the college and pro games. He would sit in his recliner anticipating—and hoping for a win for his Michigan State Spartans against any opponent, especially the dreaded University of Michigan Wolverines! Not only was he a spectator, he might just be called an armchair coach, giving play calls from the comfort of his home. And as the adage goes, he bled “green and white” for his beloved  MSU Spartans. When he wasn’t watching sports, he was glued to his cowboy shows. It didn’t matter that he had seen them repeatedly; he continued to watch them, often saying the dialogue along with the actors and yelling at the TV warning them of approaching danger. He spent his final months at home enjoying visits from family and friends and having talks with his daughter, Sharon reminiscing about his days growing up in Curtis. While his physical presence among us will be deeply missed, we are comforted in knowing he is finally at peace. Please join us with smiles of joy and love as we remember all the wonderful memories, we shared with him and the ways he touched each of our lives.

Sonny leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Sharon Mitchell-Witherspoon, Annell “Cookie” (Duane) McIntyre of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Lorraine Amos; sons, Londell Mitchell and Theoplis “Duney” Mitchell, Jr.; 19 grandchildren; 26 great- and 8 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Cozetta Duncan, Yvonne “Bonnie” Harris, Snowrene Mitchell, Everlene (Kevin) Kenney, and Sandra Brimm of Curtis, Arkansas; brother, Virgil “Tweet” Mitchell, Jr. of Curtis, Arkansas; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends including special friends, Leroy Bashford, Joe Giles, Mike Karkau, Derrick Wells, and Clifford Wesley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Helen Mitchell; daughter, Lisa F. Mitchell; parents, Virgil and Eather Mitchell; sister Mildred “Lucy” Holland; brothers, Wallace and Wayne “Bebe” Mitchell.

In closing, Theoplis “Sonny” Mitchell, Sr. was a man who loved God, his family, and life, and he lived his life to the fullest for as long as his health allowed him to do so. He leaves behind a legacy that is unmatched by many. He will remain in our hearts forever.

 My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.
Psalms 73:26