LIZZIE MAE MITCHELL

Lizzie Mae Ford was born to Charlie and Annie Ford on November 26, 1934, in Summerfield, Louisiana she was the eldest of four children. A loving child that grew up loving the Lord, family and giving back to others. Lizzie accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age uniting with the Mount Olive Baptist Church and served faithfully. Growing up she learned to cook delicious pies, cakes and soul food from scratch under the instruction and supervision of her Mother and Grandmother. Her Southern roots gave her a love of showing hospitality by always putting on a spread. 

She spent her childhood in Louisiana and moved to California in 1953 where she graduated from Long Beach Poly High School. She also met the love of her life while there, Obadiah Mitchell and they were married in 1956 in the Frontier area of San Diego where they made their home. Born unto this union were daughters, Sharon and Karen. Lizzie united with the Calvary Baptist Church, under the pastorage of the Late Dr. S.M. Lockridge. She became a member of the Sanctuary Choir, where she loved to sing of His goodness and the blessings He showered upon her and her family. Every year she would insist the family take a vacation back to Louisiana to keep the connection with family by shared traditions like hand picking vegetables and fruit from the garden, snappin' peas, fry'n fish  and churn'in fresh homemade ice cream. 

Lizzie's love for hospitality led her to be hired as the executive housekeeper for the San Diego Hebrew Home until her retirement after 38 years of dedicated service. In 1986 Lizzie and Obadiah were blessed by the Hebrew Home with a two week all expenses paid trip to the Holy Land. She was always happy to share about her trip where she had the chance to walk where Jesus once walked. Everyone from her supervisors, to her co-workers and employees loved Lizzie, they were all drawn to her sweet spirit and kind heart. She opened up her heart and home to all and knew no strangers and was known for always finding the good in everyone. 

Lizzie always loved bringing family together for holidays and celebrations, sharing her homemade meals including such treats such as sweet potato, buttermilk and pecan pies, coconut cake, turkey, greens and cornbread dressing. Their home was often the place for Sunday dinners after church, where her family as well as her adopted sons and daughters would stop by for motherly advice, fellowship and some great food. Lizzie made sure no one ever left the Mitchell's home hungry and without something to snack on later. 

Lizzie loved music and letting her light shine. Upon uniting with the Mt. Erie Baptist Church she joined the choir. Everyone knew how much she enjoyed singing in the choir, she would sing and smile, lifting up her voice in praises to God every Sunday Morning. She was even requested to portray Mahalia Jackson at the Mt. Erie the Christmas Celebration. Even when her health would not allow her to continue going up to the choir stand she would sing her part right along with the choir from her seat in the audience. She was part of the Deaconess board and co-chair of the bereavement committee right up until God called her home. 

She is survived by her loving Husband of 66 years Obadiah, Daughters; Sharon (Tommy) Reynolds & Karen (James) Bryant both of San Diego and Deborah Smith of Manasses Virgina, one sister Dorletha Marshall of Harbor City, and a Sister in- law Nettie Ford of Texas. A host of Nieces, Nephews, adopted children, Grandchildren and friends who loved her dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her Sister, Dora Lee Mitchell,  Brother, Charlie Drew Ford, Brother-in-Law, Westly Marshall and dearest Sisterfriend  Clotee Dill. 

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