Florence Ellis Mitchell

Florence Ellis Mitchell, 93, of Lake Charles, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born October 2nd, 1932, in Oakdale, Louisiana, to S.H. and Lula Virginia Ellis. They moved their family to DeQuincy, Louisiana where Florence grew up and was a graduate of DeQuincy High School.

This is where she met the love of her life, Calvin C. Mitchell. The two were married in 1948 and moved to Appleton City, Missouri, where they owned and operated the Lindale Hotel. It was there they welcomed their first born, Gladys. In 1952, the family moved to Lake Charles, and made their home, welcoming their cherished son, Steve. They built a life centered around their family and watched it grow through generations. Their home was often a gathering place for friends and family.

Being a woman of great faith, Florence was an active member of Boulevard Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and later, Tom Hebert Road Baptist Church. She found joy singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and doing missionary work. She cherished time with her family and friends, including her special friends Naomi Hanberry and Lois Gordon, who also served as a caregiver.

Mrs. Mitchell will be most remembered for her deep love and devotion to her Lord and her family. She found pride and joy in being the matriarch of her family and naturally filled that same spirit of love and guidance within her church. Her door was always open, welcoming extended family, friends, and her children’s friends into her home with warmth and genuine hospitality. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years, Calvin C. Mitchell; her brother and sister-in-law, James Carroll and Marjorie Ellis; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ellender and Harvey Burrow, Margaret and J.D. Robinson, and Lula Bell and Bill Livingston; her brothers-in-law and spouses, Boss and Catherine Mitchell, Hayes and Madge Mitchell, Drexel and Maureen Mitchell, Paul and Ann Mitchell, and Hoover and Imogene Mitchell; and her beloved son-in-law, Paul Wojcik.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Gladys Wojcik, her son, Steve Mitchell, and spouse Cathy; her grandchildren, Christy Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell and spouse Brittany, and Lori Murphy and spouse Jason; her great-grandchildren, Luke Mitchell, Lyla Murphy, Captain Mitchell, Graham Mitchell, Jack Murphy, and Mya Murphy; and Gladys's special friends, Greg Ruth and his son, Nash Ruth.

Her funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 24, 2026 in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home with Reverend Lee Whitney officiating. Interment services will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will resume Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.

Mrs. Mitchell’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, who are also her friends, Sheyla Rodrigues, Jenny Fletcher, Lanora Gary, and Gloria Williams.