Obituaries

Bonnie Jeanne Mitchell was born January 27, 1941, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. She was the oldest of four children born to the late Willis Carl Mitchell Sr. and Creola Jane Mitchell. At an early age, Bonnie accepted Christ as her personal Savior. This Christian foundation was formed when she attended Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. She was educated in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Growing up her favorite sports and activities were running Track, Boxing, Dancing, Fashion and sewing clothes. Bonnie graduated from Glenville High School in 1959, during her senior year there, she participated in student body government as an Office Secretary.

After graduation, Bonnie attended St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio where she received her certificate in Business Administration. Meanwhile, she worked at a municipal transportation company for a few years. Bonnie’s dream since high school was to move to sunny California. She first moved by herself to Los Angeles and then went up north and settled in San Francisco. When Bonnie came to San Francisco, she worked in administrative personnel at Southern Pacific Railroad and United Airlines. Two years later, Her Mother, sister Sonia and Brother Charles moved from Cleveland to San Francisco to be near her. Then a year later, her brother Carl a Navy Veteran stationed in Greece moved to San Francisco, and their father followed later. Not long after that, she was in a relationship with Anthony McClain.

Bonnie worked long hours, but her enterprising spirit stood out with grace, determination, and strength. She owned three women’s Fashion Boutiques in San Francisco. The store names were “Enchanting Things” and “Sonia’s Boutique” in the Haight & Ashbury district. The third clothing store was “Beverly McKlain” on Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf.

Bonnie had a love for Real Estate. At night, Her Real Estate courses were at City College of San Francisco and through the Appraisal Institute where she became a certified Real Estate Appraiser. She purchased fixer upper homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bonnie and her father “WC” would repair and remodel homes while her sister Sonia would learn the business and assist with interior decorating. Bonnie was blessed to purchase land in El Dorado County, California, and property in Las Vegas, Neveda. Also, Family and friends would visit her timeshare the week of New Years Eve on the Las Vegas Strip, or she would trade that for a week in Paris, France, or another adventurous location. She owned a Real Estate Appraisal business for over 35 years and retired at age 77.

Bonnie was proceeded in death by her mother, Creola Jane Mitchell and father Willis Carl Mitchell Sr. Siblings that preceded Bonnie in death: Willis Carl Mitchell Jr., Charles Gregory Mitchell, and Willis Carl Mitchell III.

Those who hold her memory dear: her sister Sonia Mitchell-Price (Shane Price), sister Catherine Mitchell, niece Prescilla Mitchell, nephew Michael Mitchell Sr.(Ericka Mitchell), great nephews Michael Mitchell Jr and Maxwell Mitchell, sister- in-law Cynthia Howard-Mitchell, cousins Lloyd Anderson, Debbie Walker, Jay Anderson, Earl Anderson, Diane Anderson, Margaret Reed, Jimmie Reed, Jason Reed, Angel Anderson-Smith, Renee Smith, Chris Chandler, Spiritual daughters: Tiffany Rice, Nicole Howell and a host of other relatives and close friends.

A Beloved Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, and Godly Confidant. As we sit in disbelief that you are no longer with us, in Body, through rivers of tears, interrupted by lots of laughter, we cannot help but reflect on the precious memories and a wonderful life that you lived being Christ like before others, sharing your benevolent generosity, sense of adventure and wisdom to family and children. As we reflect, this is what quickly comes from the heart.

Spiritual Gifts Bonnie had so many God-Given gifts. Gifted at listening and nurturing those in her sphere of influence. Skilled at building young people up with her time, encouragement, support, and treasure to help them to succeed in life. She had a gift for giving sound counsel. She was gifted at teaching young people to Keep God First and be the best version of themselves and walk alongside of them while they chased their dreams in life.

Fun Bonnie was “SO MUCH FUN” to be around. She always had a smile on her face. Her wit, grit and funny sense of humor would have you laughing. Her neighbors loved her authentic nature and personality. She could communicate with anyone of different nations and races of people and get her message across even if she did not speak the same language. Her determined bold nature and genuine sweet spirit opened many doors for herself and others. When you spend time together with Bonnie, you are in for a surprise treat. She hosted fun-filled family reunions, she would take you to music concerts and festivals to see world renown entertainers. Her creativity and gifts to enjoy were life changing. We have awesome memories and great times when she hosted Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter Dinners, birthday gatherings, swimming pool parties, and brainstorming sessions of the next family trip abroad was just as exciting as being at the destination. Family would call her the “Go-Go Girl” for always wanting to see cool “bucket list” places.

Travel Bonnie’s travels included visiting at least forty states in the United States. She really enjoyed cruises. Her travels included visiting the Caribbean islands, England, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Isreal, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico, South America, and a host of other places during her journey on earth.

Love: Bonnie cared about her Family, Friends, and Community. Her home was referred to as “The Safe Haven”. Her siblings would say. “Who did not live at your home”. It is a testament of pure love. Numerous family members, friends and sometimes a stranger resided at her home due to career transition, the need for a peaceful place to recharge from the stresses of life, or in the process of making important life decisions or rebounding from homelessness.

Bonnie always had a warm smile. She labored and loved deeply. I believe that God was pleased with her kindness to others which would have made her ancestors proud. Bonnie lived to be 85 years old, and it was God’s plan to give her rest. Her reward is forever in heaven now. Her light and service to others will live on. Well done faithful servant!