Robert Lee Mitchell Jr.

Robert Lee Mitchell, Jr. was the first of four children born to Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr. and Alice Kirkland Mitchell. He was born on June 16, 1948, in Houston, Texas. Robert grew up in Houston, with the exception of a brief stay in Los Angeles, California in his early years. He graduated from G. W. Carver High School in 1967 and started his college years at San Jacinto Jr. College, where he was a successful track athlete. He continued his education at University of Houston and achieved acclaim in track there, also. Robert demonstrated humility in his achievements, as well as in his general kind, jovial demeanor.

On October 16, 1971, Robert and Valla Davenport were married and made a covenant before God and witnesses to stay married until death parted them. God blessed this union with one child, Robert III (Bobby), now deceased. They were also blessed to parent a granddaughter, Eboney, whom they raised from infancy. Robert’s grandson, DeAnte, and granddaughter, Jhane, were dearly loved by him, as well as Jacoby, his great-grandson.

Christian values were taught to Robert and his siblings by his parents. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Star Bethel Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He and Valla joined Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1972, where they both sang in the Workshop Chorus under the direction of Clyde Owen Jackson and the Voices of Praise choir under the direction of Jan Green Taylor.

Having left school prior to graduating then working as a machinist 10 years, Robert returned to UH and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1985 and embarked upon a new career as a teacher and coach. He retired from Houston Independent School District in 2011 after 25 years of service as an elementary school physical education teacher to children at Sutton, Turner, and Mading schools. He utilized his coaching skills to coach football at Washington HS for one year and his track expertise and experience and coaching skills to coach track and football at Kashmere HS for twenty-four years.

Robert’s athletic and coaching skills enabled him to be selected by USABA (United States Association of Blind Athletes) as a guide runner and coach. He functioned in those roles and participated in the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, Korea; 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain; 1996 Games in Atlantia, Georgia; and 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia.

The sport of track was always close to his heart, and he desired to continue to be physically active and competitive. Because of that, Robert participated in Master’s track events. He experienced success individually and as part of his exceptional team. He was also an avid tennis player and was always working to improve his skills.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alice Mitchell; his son, Robert

III (Bobby), and his brother, Douglas Mitchell. He leaves to mourn his passing, Valla, his wife of 52 years, Eboney Mitchell, DeAnte Mitchell, Jhane Mitchell, Jacoby Moore, Jeanette Mitchell, Susan (Michael) Clark, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and caring friends.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave, Houston, TX 77004. The funeral services will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The committal will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cremations, 21723 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338.