Buna Mitchell

Buna Hazel Carswell Mitchell passed from this earth to her eternal heavenly home on December 12, 2023. She was born In Roxboro, NC on October 10, 1924 to the late Charlie Asbury Carswell and Berta Mae Wilkins Carswell. She was predeceased by her husband of almost 79 years, James David Mitchell, brothers Luther Carswell (Arvis) and Claude Carswell, sisters Lenora Thigpen (James) and Alice, “Peachy” Moore (Buddy). She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Phillips (Tom), granddaughters Kelly Grubb and Melissa Janes (Kenny), great grandchildren Olivia and Abby Grubb and Paige and Patrick Janes, sisters-in-law (true sisters at heart), Irene Howard and Audrey Smith, and much loved nieces and nephews.

Hazel and her family moved to Danville, VA very early in her life and the white haired, blue eyed little girl nicknamed “Cotton Patch” grew up in a family that was lacking in wealth, but rich in a heritage of love and devotion to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. She struggled through some trying experiences, growing up with a misaligned eye, living through depression years, surviving major surgery at age 17, needing to work rather that continuing with education and missing her new husband who joined the Navy during WWII. Yet all these experiences served to make her the strong, dependable push-through-anything woman that she became.

Hazel was a faithful wife, loving, generous and self-sacrificing mother and dependable, encouraging grandmother and aunt. She mentored all with straight talk and sometimes tough love. For the last year, her bedtime prayer always included “Lord, bless our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all those we love. Lead them in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.”

Collecting beautiful plates, many of them depicting the things she loved, birds, flowers and young children, was something Hazel enjoyed. For over 20 years, she collected gold filigree Christmas ornaments which she gave to family and friends. Hazel was a Southern Gospel music fan and she gave away countless videos of the Gaither Homecoming classics. In her latter 90s, she enjoyed watching puzzle solving game shows and also news programs, reading the closed captions as her hearing had failed and with wit and common sense commenting on current events.

Hazel was a wonderful cook, preparing tasty meals which included vegetables grown and preserved at her home. Every Sunday she served up an amazing cake or pie made from scratch. Homemade rolls, biscuits or the best crispy cornbread imaginable accompanied her dinners.

She was a wizard at organizing, keeping her home in order while rearing a child and working a full time job. For 35 years Hazel was employed at Dan River Mills, hardly missing a day and working one 6 year stretch with perfect attendance. In spite of a modest income, she and David always gave 10% to their church and still saved a monthly amount, planning for their retirement and determined to leave an inheritance. This wonderful woman will always be treasured by her family and she will be tremendously missed.

The family will receive visitors at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 17 at The Tabernacle, 1978 South Boston Rd, Danville, VA 24540. A worship and memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm, and be concluded at Schoolfield Cemetery. Afterward dinner will be provided at Mary’s Diner, 1203 Piney Forest Rd., Danville, VA 24540.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Tabernacle in Danville.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Mitchell family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.