Paula Leigh Mitchell

Paula Leigh Mitchell was born in Gladewater, Texas on August 11th, 1965. She passed away on August 21st, 2019, the third child of Neal Mitchell and Martha Holloway Mitchell.
She is survived by her son, Garrett Lansford; her daughter, Kelsey Kemp; her son-in-law, James Kemp; her two sisters, Sharon Walters-Agumanu and husband Emeka, Christi Haywood and husband Donny; and several loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Holloway Mitchell; her father, Neal Mitchell; her brother, Danny Mitchell; and her brother John Mitchell.
Paula was an eager hostess and frequently opened her home to family and friends, where a hot meal often awaited them. The luckiest of guests got a slice—or two—of her famous homemade chocolate pie. She took great pride in cooking “just like mother.” Her garden was filled with life. She possessed an almost magical ability to make things grow. Born and raised in the Piney Woods of East Texas, she was a proud woman who never forgot her roots and always considered Upshur County her home. Paula enjoyed riding horses and spent many years as a member of East Texas Trail Riders Unlimited (TRU), riding the roads all over Texas and Louisiana with many beloved TRU family members. She lived in Collin County for almost 27 years and was a very active community member. She volunteered her time with Anna Youth Sports and with the Anna United Methodist Church where she was a member. She always helped with the annual turkey dinner which provided scholarships to children for summer camps, and at times volunteered with Wednesday night children activities, VBS, and youth mission trips to build houses in Juarez, Mexico. Paula was truly never more joyful than when she was helping someone in need. She was a tireless worker and was always the first one to show up and offer to do whatever was needed in any circumstance. Paula’s green eyes sparkled with life and her laughter was contagious. All who knew her would unanimously agree that she was the most fun person in the room. She was the faithful champion of the underdog, and fiercely protective of her family and friends. She found joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest sources of joy were her children. She took great pride in all their accomplishments and was so very proud of who they have become. She is loved by so many and will be missed by all. May she know the Lord’s peace, now and forever. Amen.