Mary Helen Mitchell

Mary Helen Barbee Mitchell, 78, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 13, 2020, after a valiant battle with illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She influenced many family and friends with her sense of humor, love of music and her ability to teach us to love one another.

Mary Helen was born on March 18, 1942 to the late Robert and Evelyn Barbee in Durham, NC. She attended Durham public schools and graduated from Southern High School. She was big sister to Carol Barbee Wortham. They grew up and played together in the Lowes Grove community. Mary Helen attended Campbell College in Buies Creek NC.

Mary Helen married Ronald Mitchell on September 22, 1962. They were married for 58 years. They had 3 children, David, Leigh and Stephen, all who loved her deeply and remained with her until the end.

She was a clerk in Juvenile Court at the Durham County Court House where she was employed for 25 years.

Mary Helen’s passion for music influenced many people. She passed this trait along to her children and grandchildren. She was the pianist at her home church, Lowes Grove Baptist for many years, and helped with youth church musicals and mission trips.

Whether she was at work, at church, or with her family and friends, she was known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor which lightened the mood and brought calmness to situations that could be challenging.

Mary Helen is survived by her husband Ron, who took care of her during both sickness and health. She is also survived by her children David Mitchell (Vicki), Leigh Matan, (Rob) and Stephen Mitchell (Tammy) and two grandchildren, Ashley McCane and Ally Mitchell. Also, her sister Carol Wortham and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

The family would like to thank Dr. Andrea Kiss, who took great care of Mary Helen for many years, the excellent caregivers from Right at Home and the staff at Authorocare.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2020 from 2-4pm at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Lowes Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend David Morton officiating.
Click here to view the Livestream service. Special music will be provided by Beth Robbins, who shared a special relationship with Mary Helen though music and humor. Pallbearers will be Claude Goodwin, Frank Goodwin, Garret Nelson, Robert Wortham, Patrick Bennington and Mark Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Hillsborough or The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford.