Audrey McClary Mitchell

Audrey Elizabeth McClary Mitchell, 89, of Grace Healthcare of Abingdon died May 5, 2011, after living a full life that did not end when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease but remained vibrant until she left this earth. She has now, in the words of Charles Wesley, "run her course with even joy."

Born in Kingstree, SC, November 28, 1921, Audrey grew up in South Carolina in the towns of Greeleyville, Charleston, Blythewood, Toogoodoo, and Columbia, graduating from Columbia High School in 1939. She also lived in, among other towns, Annapolis, MD, Chicago, IL, Norfolk, VA, Sumter, SC, and Wrightsville Beach, NC. After 1966, Audrey resided in Columbia, SC, relocating to Abingdon, VA, in 2005. Audrey attended Columbia College (SC) and Northwestern University (IL) prior to completing a course in secretarial training. She worked in offices, including at Shaw Air Force Base (Sumter, SC), until she married and became a mother in 1954. She was active as a volunteer from WWII, when she trained as a Red Cross volunteer, through her children's schooling. She loved books, concerts, movies, gardening, and cats. With her husband John, she enjoyed Mensa social events and the American Legion. Audrey survived breast cancer twice. At Grace Healthcare of Abingdon, she enjoyed visiting with staff, residents, and visitors. Mrs. Mitchell was raised in the Methodist faith, and her favorite hymn was "Forth in Thy Name, Oh Lord."

Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Henry Ervin McClary and Ruth Brown McClary; her aunt and caregiver, after the death of her mother, Nell Brown Bannerman; two sisters, Sallie Gordon McClary and Brown McClary Justice; husband John Andrew Mitchell; and a son, John Henry Mitchell. She is survived by her children Felicia Mitchell (Meadowview, VA), Charles T. Mitchell (McLean, VA), and G. B. Mitchell (Columbia, SC); daughter-in-law Elena Kim-Mitchell (McClean, VA); grandchildren Ian J. Mitchell (Loudon, NH), Alexander J. Mitchell (McLean, VA), and Guy B. Mitchell Love (Meadowview, VA); many cousins, nieces, and nephews; special friends A. D. Stanley (Abingdon, VA) and George D. Long (Columbia, SC); and her extended family at Grace Healthcare.

The family is grateful for the many kindness of Grace Healthcare of Abingdon and Hospice of Southwest Virginia. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family during its final plans. After a private cremation in Abingdon, Audrey will be buried with her husband at Beaufort National Cemetery, SC, with a memorial also planned for the McClary plot of New Market Cemetery in Greeleyville. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter, 14298 Lee Hwy, Bristol VA 24202, or to a charity of your choice.

The family of Audrey Mitchell is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).