Billie Jean Richard Mitchell

Billie Jean Richard Mitchell, 94, passed away May 1, 2023, peacefully at her home in Charlotte, N.C. Billie was born June 12, 1928, in Lexington, N.C. at the home of her maternal grandparents, the late John and Ida Tesh Craver. She was the daughter of the late Howard L. Richard and the late Katheryn Craver Richard Freedle. After attending grammar school in Lexington, her family moved to High Point, N.C. She graduated in 1945 from High Point Central High School with the last class of seniors, required to complete only eleven years of schooling. It was in her high school years that she forged many lifelong friendships. Following graduation, she held a civil service position in High Point with The War Department in the Demobilized Personnel Records Branch. When World War II ended she transferred with the department to St. Louis, Mo. After two years she returned to High Point and went to work as a bookkeeper and secretary for Griffith Office Supply. Billie married a former high school classmate and Duke University graduate, George William (Bill) Mitchell, Jr. in 1948. Always a Methodist Church member, with many close family ties to the Moravian Church, she and Bill were married in the Methodist Church by her cousin the late Moravian Bishop Samuel Tesh, who had also baptized her at her birth. In the summer of 1960, she and Bill moved from High Point and settled into the Myers Park area of Charlotte. Billie reentered the the job market in 1963. She was the office manager and executive secretary to the late Sidney I. Spicer (CEO) at Sileps-Fixrammer Corp. for twenty-two years, before taking early retirement. Billie had many interests. She was a terrific hostess and great cook, who enjoyed sharing all holiday celebrations with her family and friends. She was an avid reader, Duke fan, computer user, greeting card sender to family and friends, along with being a long-time exercise class attendee. She enjoyed her volunteering time, her lunch "Buddy" group and her many years of U.S. and world travels with Bill. They were dancers who enjoyed many years of belonging to dancing dinner clubs, and winning many contests during their travels, even though they always claimed they didn't really know how to dance. They also shared many happy times with family and friends at their second home on the South Carolina coast where she enjoyed walking in the surf, kicking the sand and basking in the sunshine. Her accomplishments were many. She will be remembered fondly for her kindness, generosity, and compassion. Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father R. A. (Jake) Freedle and her three siblings, Betty Richard Cates, Kaye Freedle Luther, Jerry Michael Freedle, niece Courtney Freedle, nephew Darrell Cates and in 2012 the death of her husband of sixty-four years, Bill Mitchell. She was also preceded in death by many loving relatives and longtime friends. She is survived by her son William Richard Mitchell, daughter Millicent Ann Mitchell and grandson Mitchell Abdullah. Her Niece, Kathye Luther Muehlheuser and her husband Kurt. Nephew Ken Luther and his wife Sharon. Nephew Douglas Cates and his wife Patricia. Great Nephew Jaryd Engberg. Great Niece Larsen Engberg Shimshak and her husband Paul. Three Craver cousins, Burke Jr. and wife Dale, John and wife Sandy, and Martha Craver plus, other longtime devoted friends. A memorial service celebrating Billie's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers Billie wants you to express love to those you value. May the light she brought into our lives continue to shine… J. B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting the family. Online notes and condolences may be shared with the family through www.tallentfuneralservice.com