Mother Ella Mitchell

Ella Mae Faulk Mitchell was born on May 18, 1928 in Dothan, North Carolina. She was the 13th of 15 siblings, 5 boys and 10 girls. She was born to George C. Faulk and Martha Jackson Faulk. After graduating from high school Ella attended Winston Salem College in North Carolina. She later met Thomas Legrand (Lee) and they married March 30, 1946. They later moved to Brooklyn, New York. Ella was the mother of 3 children, Pearl Mitchell, Thomasine Kashaka and Thomas Mitchell (deceased). While in Brooklyn she welcomed all who came to visit, always offering her home for family and friends to stay if needed and for as long as they needed. Her home was the “place to be” for family, food, and lots of love….and can we reiterate good food (turkey wings, coconut cake, chocolate cake was her specialty.) While in Brooklyn she worked as an electrical technician with Otis Elevator for many years. Ella was a member of Washington Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop F.D. Washington from 1950 to 1982. She was a member of the Good Samaritan Club. They would bring people to church that could not get there on their own. For many years she would give gifts at Christmas time to those that did not have. Her compassion and generosity were truly a part of who she was.

Once Pearl moved to Texas, Ella came to visit in 1982 and decided to stay. She applied at 4 different companies and got offered all 4 positions. She chose employment with Texas Aircraft SFENA (Premier Corporation). She remained employed with them for 20 years. She was such a diligent and dedicated worker that after retiring they asked her to return to work. She did and stayed for another 2 years.

While in Texas she became a member of Heavenly Gospel Church under the late Supt. Floyd G. Taylor. There she was one of the founders of the Noon Day Prayer. She was the President of the Pastor Aid committee. She also organized coat drives every year for all in need. She later became a member of New Life Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Taylor. Ella served as the President of the Mothers Board. She participated in the Nursing Home Ministry, the Women’s Ministry, Sunday School, and Bible Band. She truly was a servant for the Lord and loved and adored her church family.

Throughout her life, Ella traveled extensively. Her travels abroad included Haiti, China, Japan, Benin, Ivory Coast, Togo, Ghana, Paris, Rome, London, Mexico, Canada, The Virgin Islands, and this is just to name a few. When she traveled, she met the people of the land, ate the food, and truly submerged herself in their culture… and this is not to mention all of her domestic travel.

Like everything in her life that she was passionate about, it was not just words, there were actions behind her words. She was passionate about equality and the rights of all people. Ella was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. She marched a couple of times with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including when Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Monument in Washington D.C. She also marched in Brooklyn, New York against the discriminatory hiring practices at Downstate Medical Center for Black and Puerto Rican workers

to be hired in the construction of the new hospital. She was jailed for this. Immediately after this protest, the city changed their hiring practices. Just another testament of her character, truly standing for what she believed in.

Ella was all about family. Based on conversations she and her sister Rose Nell Faulk Smith had many years before, she started the Faulk Family Reunion in 1978. She knew the importance of family gathering, sharing stories, passing down history and information. Since 1978 the Faulk Family Reunion has been going strong. Presently in its 37th year, often boasting up to 200 people in attendance. The Ella Mae Scholarship was started in her honor. She always stressed the importance of education. Every year a child is awarded funds to help towards their college education. The family will be forever thankful for her, her contributions, and her vision.

Ella was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was someone you could call on at any given moment. She would drop what she was doing to be there. She truly lived a life of service. Many can testify to one time or another that she touched their lives. Family members have stories of being ill and requesting her to come in for prayer. She truly was a vessel of Gods love. Ella lived an extraordinary, full life. She exemplified faith, love, kindness, and perseverance. We thank God for having her in our lives and leading by example. Although we will miss her, we celebrate her life.

Ellas leaves behind her two daughters Pearl Mitchell (Texas) and Thomasine Kashaka (Texas), daughter-in law Rachel Mitchell (N.C.), her brother George C. Faulk (Brooklyn, NY). 6 grandchildren ,Malaika Kashaka (N.C), Ronald Kashaka (Celeste) (Tx), Thomas Jr. Mitchell (NC), Makeda Kashaka N.Y) Qasim Mitchell (NC)and Tyrell Mitchell (Texas), a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her nephew Roy Frink was always there whenever she needed, a host of cousins and friends.