By Edgar on March 23rd, 2016

    Funeral services for Pinkye Simpson Mitchell, 101, of Natchitoches were Wednesday, March 16 at Westside Baptist Church in Natchitoches with the Reverends Bill Hudson and Steve McAlister officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Jesup Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Mrs. Mitchell was born April 3, 1914, to Hugh and Amanda Simpson in Sabine Parish, and went home to be with her Lord on Friday, March 11, 2016. She was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Many until she moved to Natchitoches in 1995 at which time she became a member of Westside Baptist Church. She attended Louisiana State Normal College where she earned a Professional Elementary Certificate in 1933. She taught school for four years at Old   Alliance High School in Sabine Parish. After marriage and having her children, she worked for the State Welfare Department from 1949 until she retired in 1973. She loved her family dearly, and was loved by all who knew her. On July 9, 2014, the late Dr. Randall J. Webb, then President of Northwestern State University honored her with the Nth Degree as one of the oldest living graduates of Louisiana State Normal College. Preceding her in death were her husband of 52 years, Edgar Willard Mitchell; one son, Charles E. Mitchell; and two grandsons, Timothy Lane Mitchell and Robert Gregory Mitchell. She was also preceded in death by six sisters, Clara Simpson, Lenora Aldredge, Laura Flenniken, Beulah Mitchell, Bessie Bush, and Lurline Adams; and five brothers, Johnnie Simpson, Hamp Simpson, Horace Simpson, Aubrey Simpson, and Mike Simpson. Mrs. Mitchell is survived by her loving daughter-in-law Millie Mitchell, widow of Charles, of Euless, Texas; four sons, Bruce and wife, Nita; Kerry, Kent and wife, LeAnne, all of Natchitoches, and Keith of Quitman. Also left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Louise Martin and husband, John, and Glenda Davis, both of Natchitoches, Other survivors include 16 grandchildren, 31 great- grandchildren, and nine great—great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers were Mark Mitchell, Darren Mitchell Christopher Mitchell, Darren Rhodes, Brad Martin and Todd Thomas. The family wishes to thank Dr. Chris Ingram, Dr. Michelle Mayeux, the nurses and staff at The Courtyard and Hospice of Natchitoches for the care and love given to her during her illness