Brenda Gayle Mitchell (63), beloved daughter, caring sister, devoted aunt, and loyal friend entered her eternal home on May 3, 2023. Gayle is survived by her best friend and faithful mother Beatrice Mitchell, sister Jo Ann Akers, brother Terry Mitchell (Terri), nieces and nephews, and many cherished extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Stephen Edward Mitchell, and her brother-in-law, Gary Akers.
Gayle was born on July 21, 1959 in Pulaski, Va. She was known for her love of photography and scrapbooking and was often lovingly teased by her family for always wanting to capture every moment in a photo. She took great joy in creating countless volumes of family memories that will be treasured forever.
Gayle was a generous and loving aunt to her nieces and nephews (Stephen Akers, Matt Akers, Gary Lee Akers, Kellen Mitchell, Darby Mitchell) and her great nieces and nephews (Noah Akers, Teagan Akers, Ayanna Akers, Matthew Akers). She especially enjoyed spoiling them all at Christmas. Gayle leaves her loved ones with an abundance of precious holiday memories, including her good-natured reactions to all the ribbing she endured about her excessive use of tape when wrapping gifts.
Gayle enjoyed exercising, and many will remember her from all the hours she spent at the local YMCA. Watching her favorite athlete, Michael Jordan, was another of her favorite pastimes, and being a child at heart, she enjoyed all things Disney. She inherited her father’s love of music and enjoyed attending concerts, with her taste in music ranging from Elvis to Alabama.
Gayle’s early working years were spent with textile manufacturers Pulaski Apparel and Lee Jeans, and concluded with 13 years of service as an administrative assistant at the Town of Pulaski Police Department. She was highly respected by the investigators for her meticulous attention to detail in the documents she prepared. She was fittingly recognized for her exceptional work in a local news article titled “The Perfectionist.”
A Celebration of Life service will be led by Pastor Randall Lawrence, Sr. at New Hope Church in Pulaski, VA on Thursday, May 18. The family will receive friends from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Hope Church.
Special thanks to the Mullins family and the New Hope Church community for their courtesy, kindness, prayers, and support.
The Mitchell family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
