The City of Lumberton recently lost a dedicated public servant and community member with the passing of Viola Mitchell, who had served as the city’s deputy clerk for the last six years.
Mitchell passed away August 30 of undisclosed circumstances. She was 59 years old.
Ceremonies were held September 2 at Gateway Baptist Church in Lumberton.
“(I’ll remember her) as the very sweet person she was,” said Mitchell’s sister, Beverly Burnett. “I love her dearly.”
Mitchell is survived by her husband Noel Sr., her son Noel Jr., her daughter Gabrielle and 8 of her 12 siblings.
Mitchell graduated from Lumberton High School and worked for Stion in the Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park before starting at Lumberton City Hall in February 2018.
During this year’s Mississippi Municipal League Conference, Mitchell became the first deputy clerk from the City of Lumberton to become certified at that position.
“Mrs. Mitchell loved her community, and she was definitely a selfless servant,” said Lumberton city clerk Felicia Wheat-Baskin, who worked alongside Mitchell for the last several years. “Anyone that came into contact with her, she always wanted to help them.
“She has a love for the City of Lumberton, and all the citizens that know her or had to come up to the water department, you’ll never forget her. That’s the type of impact that she left on people.”
On September 7, Mayor Quincy Rogers issued a proclamation in honor of Mitchell, which stated that she was exemplified the highest standards of civic duty and commitment to her community.
“Viola Mitchell served our city with unwavering dedication, showing immense passion and professionalism in her role as deputy city clerk,” the proclamation reads, in part. “Viola built lasting relationships with her colleagues, local leaders and the residents she served, always approaching her work with kindness, integrity, an open heart and always fair.
“Her contributions extended far beyond her official duties; she was a wife, mother, daughter, mentor and role model, inspiring others to engage in public service and advocating for the well-being of her community. It is fitting that we pause to commemorate her life and express our gratitude for her many years of service and commitment to our city.”
A balloon release in Mitchell’s honor will be held at 5:30 p.m. September 16 at Lumberton City Hall, 102 East Main Avenue in Lumberton. As pink was Mitchell’s favorite color, 60 pink balloons will be released during that event.
“She was very kind, fair and always had a smile or some good news, or some type of encouragement to share with people,” Wheat-Baskin said. “She was always uplifting.”
