Helen Heck Mitchell

Helen Heck Mitchell, born September 26, 1936, in Winston-Salem, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 2, 2018 in Raleigh, after a brief illness. Helen was the daughter of Ernest E. Heck and Hermena Morgan Heck of Salisbury. She grew up in Salisbury and attended Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro), where she met her husband, Henry A. Mitchell, Jr., of High Point, who was a student at Guilford College. It was then that they began their lifelong love affair, which lasted 62 years.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She took great joy in raising her three children, all of whom live in Raleigh, and spending time with her seven grandchildren.

Helen was a devoted member and past president of Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the Olla Podrida Book Club. She had been a very active member of the NC Museum of History Associates. Helen and Henry also enjoyed many years together as members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

She loved the arts, especially the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Symphony. She also took pleasure in painting still lifes. She enjoyed music of all types, from classical to jazz. She and Henry traveled throughout the world and shared many special times at Atlantic Beach, NC. They often spent cherished moments together recounting their day as they sat on their deck with their companion, Buddy.

Helen is survived by her husband and their three children, Henry A. Mitchell III (and wife, Urania), Michael W. Mitchell (and wife, Kelly), and Martha M. Peterson (and husband, John). Also surviving are her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Gigi,” Helen Elizabeth Mitchell, Henry Allen Mitchell, IV (Allen), Edwina Hardy Mitchell (Wynn), Marguerite Morgan Mitchell (Molly), Morgan Paige Peterson, Margaret Helen Peterson (Mimi), and John Hilmer Peterson, IV (Jack). She also is survived by her sister, Margaret Tucker of Salisbury, and brother, William Heck (and wife, Emily) of Charlotte, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful care and compassion given to Helen by all of the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Rex Hospital Cardiac ICU and of Transitions LifeCare Center, as well as Dr. Ben Fischer of the Fischer Clinic.

We also want to extend our deepest appreciation to Christopher Edmonston, Art Ross, Gary Fulton, and Jim Adams for the spiritual guidance and support they have provided to the Mitchell family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 4th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the home of Marty and John Peterson.

There will be a private graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at White Memorial Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2018. The family will receive friends following the service in the Jane Bell Gathering Space at White Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd. Raleigh, NC 27608 or the Raleigh Fine Arts Society, P.O. Box 10614 Raleigh, NC 27605.

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.