Mrs. Barbara Jean Champion- Mitchell

Barbara Champion Mitchell was born on April 29, 1947, to the parentage of the late Elder Lee Champion and the late Jimmie Lee Daniels Champion. She entered eternal rest on the afternoon of November 10, 2023.

At an early age, Barbara joined the family church, Zion Hope Baptist, in Sumter City, Georgia. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County, where she graduated from Sumter High School. While all of her children were of school-age, Barbara attended and later graduated from Georgia Southwestern College with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She would teach for 20 years as a 3rd grade teacher in the Sumter, Dougherty, and Terrell Counties school systems. During her retirement years, Barbara once served as the President of the Dougherty County Retired Educators Association in Albany, Georgia.

Barbara was married to the late Jimmie Calvin Mitchell. From this union, seven children were born. Kacy, their beloved son and caretaker, preceded her in passing. Barbara leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters Karen Mitchell of Richmond, Texas, Koren Mitchell of Johns Creek, Georgia, Kelsie Mitchell of El Paso, Texas; three sons, Kendall Mitchell (Jennifer) of New York, New York, Kelvin Mitchell of Colerain, North Carolina, and Kalvin Mitchell of Colerain, North Carolina; twelve grandchildren Ashley, Bianca, Amber, Kameron, Tykwon, Khori, Kaitlin, Bryce, Jana, Khloe, Brianna, and Jalia; five great-grandsons Khi, Logan, Kyler, Mason, and Kaysyn; four sisters, Lois C. Price of Albany, Georgia, Ola Mae Dawsey of Albany, Georgia, Myrtice C. Johnson of Macon, Georgia, and Carolyn C. Mallory of Albany, Georgia; one sister-in-law Helen Mitchell Thomas of Portsmouth, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Barbara was known for and will be remembered by her witty sense of humor. She had a heart of compassion and a spirit of servitude. While as a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Albany. Barbara served in the Music and the Willing Workers Ministries. She was a Sunday school teacher and principal of the church’s annual Summer Enrichment Program. Barbara also served as President of General Missions Circle 3.