Mary Magaline Mitchell

Mary Mitchell Obituary Mary Alston Mitchell went home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2025, in the comfort of her home. She was the beloved daughter of the late Amos Alston Sr. and the late Marjorie Hargraves Alston. Mary was the third of eleven children. Mary was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A devoted mother and woman of deep faith, she dedicated her life to her family and to serving others. 

Mary was employed by the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where she worked in various departments, including the Office of Information Systems (OIS) at the School of Medicine. She retired after 35 years of dedicated service to the university. In 1995, she attended Arnold's Beauty College, earning her cosmetology license. During that time, her expertise in finger waves was recognized in a feature by the Herald Sun newspaper. Following her marriage and the raising of her children, she returned to her education, proudly earning her GED from Durham Technical Community College in 2009 at the age of 65. 

She was preceded in death by three brothers-Henry Lee Alston, Amos Alston Jr., and Alvin Lamar Alston-and two sisters, Rose Lee Alston Brown and Pearl Alston Barnett. Mary was formerly married to the late Bruce Mitchell Jr. From their union came five children, three of whom preceded her in death VaShelia, Steven, and Vernon Mitchell. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted son, Bruce Mitchell III of Durham, NC and a loving daughter, VaSharon M. Mitchell of Clayton, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Fran Keene of Dover, Delaware; a special sister-in-law, Juanita Faye Alston of Carrboro, NC and four brothers: Manley, Dorsett (Barbara), Isaac (Marilyn) and Joe (Shelia) Alston. Mary was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to 26 great-grandchildren. Her memory will also be treasured by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Mary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, deep love for family, and quiet strength. Her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to others will continue to inspire all who knew her.