Bonnie Jean Mitchell

Bonnie was born on December 8, 1936 and raised in Pratt City. She attended Pratt School. Bonnie was double promoted in Third Grade and won the CIty Oratory Medal.

In 1949, her family moved to Gardendale. She attended Mortimer Jordan High School where she was crowned Miss Mortimer Jordan in 1951.

On December 23, 1951, Bonnie married David Q. Mitchell, Jr, just shortly after turning 15. David was called to serve in the United States Air Force, to be stationed in England. Soon after, Bonnie left to join him in England via the Queen Mary, departing from New York City.

On November 1, 1952, the first of two children was born to the Mitchells while still stationed in England. A son, David Q. Mitchell, III. After arriving back in the States, a daughter, Debra Grace Mitchell was born on March 29, 1954.

The Mitchells raised their family in Gardendale, where Bonnie opened her own beauty shop in the basement of her home. However, due to an automobile accident, Bonnie could no longer stand for long periods of time and her shop was closed.

In the early 1960’s, when David and Debbie were in school, Bonnie went to work for Exchange Security Bank as a teller. Bonnie was such a genuinely warm and friendly person that she quickly became the most popular teller and would have customers lined out the door to see her.

Bonnie advanced in her banking career, becoming the first female branch manager of any bank in Birmingham.

In addition to her banking career, Bonnie was also a freelance writer for The Birmingham News for over 20 years. She began under the pen name, ‘LuAlyce Leigh’. Her first column was “For Keener Teens,” followed shortly afterwards by “Noggin’ Joggin.” Both columns were very popular with readers. Eventually, she went on to cover the Northeast Social Section.

Bonnie was also very civic-minded and in 1972 ran for Alabama State Legislature.

In the late 1970’s, while working as the branch manager at Central Bank in Century Plaza, she and David opened a restaurant in Gardendale called The Family Buffet. Bonnie retired from Central Bank in 1980.

After having The Family Buffet for several years, they sold the restaurant and went to work for A1 Pest Control in 1983.

They served countless customers and enjoyed the time they spent together on what they affectionately called “the bug route”.

In 1993, Bonnie and David retired to Homosassa, Florida, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, flea marketing and spending time with friends and Bonnie’s brothers and their families.

In November 2003, Bonnie and David returned to Gardendale, due to David’s declining health. They remained as active as possible upon their return, still enjoying time with friends and family and the occasional trip “down the road a ways”, as they would say. After David’s passing, Bonnie was still able to enjoy a few years of beach trips, shopping outings and piddling around the house, but as her health declined, she became homebound. Still sharp as a tack, she loved reading her Bible and mystery novels, doing word finds and never ceased to ask all the right questions on Jeopardy and solve all the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune.

Bonnie was a faithful Christian and a member of Antioch church of Christ. She was a truly beautiful lady, inside and out. She was caring, wise and always gave very sage advice. She was never harsh or judgmental and unkind words never slipped from her lips. She was a wonderful example of the Proverbs 31 woman and she strived daily to live in accordance with the Scriptures. Her wit and humor were unsurpassed, always making it a joy to be in her company.

Her life was full and she has left a legacy of love that her family will treasure forever.

Bonnie is survived by her son, David Mitchell, III, daughter Debbie Mitchell-Ensley (Rick). Granddaughters Shay Doss (Byron), TIffany Wiginton (Barry) and grandsons Brittain Mitchell and Phillip Rowe. Great- grandchildren, Hayley Grace Doss, Beckham Wiginton, Emersyn Wiginton

and Bear Wiginton. Brothers, Jimmy Long and Jerry Long. A host of nieces and nephews along with bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bonnie always had a special place in her heart for animals, so it is important to note that she is also survived by her cat, Dudley Oliver Mitchell, her granddog, Tucker Anthony Ensley, great-granddog, Sabrina Star Doss and great-grandcats Alex Rowe and Kensi Wiginton, whom she never got to meet, but heard stories about.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, David Mitchell, Jr. Her parents, C.G. and Wima Long. A special uncle and aunt, Amos and Cora Porter. Brothers, Charles Long, Max Long and Donald Long.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which Bonnie supported, or the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, where she adopted Dudley. Both of these charities were very close to Bonnie’s heart and she would love to know that her love and care for children and animals was carried on.

Services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 with the funeral beginning at 11:00. At Bonnie’s request, her grandson-in-law, Byron Doss, will officiate