Obituary of Cathryn Barlow Mitchell

Obituary of Cathryn Mitchell In the stillness of Sunday, November 29, 2015, there was a blessed quietness in the house. Cathryn Barlow Mitchell, born on December 11, 1918, to Thomas and Gertrude Parr Barlow, met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, face to face, as she exhaled from this life and inhaled the glory of God. She was soon to be 97 years old. The earthly accolades and accomplishments could go on for pages, but the treasures stored up in heaven are evident by the countless generations of families and friends who she touched with her faith, encouragement, patience, compassion and forgiving spirit. Many people can shout together as she did, “stick with the Lord!” Mrs. Mitchell was also an influential business woman in both the communities of Dallas and Terrell, Texas. She was most proud of her family and her church, New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she proudly proclaimed, “we pulled the nails” to build. Cathryn grew up in the Dallas area with her siblings: Edward Barlow, Elvira Wilson, Mabel Coleman and Herman Barlow, all of whom preceded her in death. She attended Julia C. Frazier Elementary school and Booker T. Washington High School, where she was a cheerleader. Her undergrad education was Prairie View College. She married the love of her life, Rev. J.R. Mitchell, on August 17, 1938. He preceded her in death on June 18, 1988. For more than sixty years she owned and operated Chas. T. Brackins Insurance Agency and CB Mitchell Real Estate on Spring Avenue at Lagow in South Dallas. Mrs. Mitchell served as Chairman of Trustee Board at MLK Center in Dallas; created the first original MLK Day Parade in Dallas; established the first nursery and senior citizens department at the MLK Center. She was a dedicated member of the Ministers and Pastors wives in Terrell, Texas, as well as the Federated Choirs of Terrell for over fifty years. Aunt Cathryn raised and reared Mabel Joyce Robertson, Dorothy Mitchell, Charles Coleman, Evelina Holmes, Booker T., Eric Johnson and many others. Her life has positively impacted everyone she has encountered. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her gifts of love and service, her beloved adopted daughter, Mabel Joyce Robertson (Clarence); extended family: Michael Robertson (Lillie), Carla, Rhonda and Reginald Robertson, Clarence Robertson II (Carla M.), Michael II, Ariel, Micah, Clarence Robertson III and Zion Pullman; a beloved nephew, Charles Coleman; a loving cousin, Quindonell Robertson; beloved godson, Dr. Eric Johnson (Jan); many nieces and nephews; the Barlow and Mitchell families; a host of godchildren, which includes the New Mount Calvary Church Family (present and past members); special friends, Patricia Skelton and Gloria Johnson.