Obituary of Thelma Caroline Mitchell

It is with deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear Thelma Caroline Mitchell on April 25, 2026, at the age of 81, in West Orange, New Jersey.

Born on January 18, 1945, in Guyana, she was the daughter of the late Lucille and Lloyd Rodney and the cherished stepdaughter of the late Edmund Thompson.

In 1975, Thelma journeyed to the United States, settling in East Orange, New Jersey, to create a better life for her family. Her husband, Vernon Godfrey Mitchell, and son Collin joined her in 1977, and together they established a life rooted in sacrifice, perseverance, faith, and unwavering devotion.

For 60 years, she shared a beautiful marriage with Vernon, one grounded in commitment, strength, faith, and enduring partnership.

A woman of remarkable compassion and tireless work ethic, Thelma dedicated more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant. From 1980 until her retirement in 2011, she faithfully served in the healthcare field, spending the last 20 years of her career at Daughters of Israel in West Orange, New Jersey, where she was admired for her kindness, dependability, and gentle spirit. A proud member of the AFL-CIO, she remained committed until her passing.

To know Thelma was to know the warmth of her home and the generosity of her heart. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and belonging. She found her greatest joy in gathering family together through summer cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas celebrations filled with the aroma of lovingly prepared meals. No one ever left her house hungry. There was always more than enough food on the table, extra plates packed to take home, and a heartfelt effort to ensure that every person under her roof felt welcomed, cared for, and content.

Her thoughtfulness extended far beyond her immediate family. If someone mentioned they were not feeling well, she would prepare soup and offer comfort. If a friend or coworker working a holiday night shift needed a meal, she made sure they had one. This was simply who she was; a caring mother, a faithful wife, a loyal coworker, and a true friend whose quiet generosity touched everyone she encountered.

Left to honor her precious memory are her husband of 60 years, Vernon Mitchell of West Orange, New Jersey; her loving sons, Gary Mitchell of Georgetown, Guyana; Collin Mitchell and his wife Angela, and their children Tyler and Gia, of Bridgewater, New Jersey; Kevin Mitchell and his wife Susana, and their children Jocelyn and Marco, of Schertz, Texas; and Samad Bell-Mitchell and his wife Yolanda, and their children Damian, Larry, Ja’mir, Ti’Nayja, and Ti’jhinaya, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania.

She is also survived by her beloved brother, Pat Thompson, and his wife Martha, along with their children, grandchildren, and family.

She also leaves behind a wide circle of in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family across the United States, Guyana, and the United Kingdom, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Rudolph Thompson.

Thelma’s life was defined not by the things she possessed, but by the care she gave so freely, through every meal prepared, every family gathering hosted, every comforting word spoken, and every quiet act of generosity. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, cherish her, and call her family.