Ms Vernil Mitchell

A Life of Joy Vernil Mitchell lived a remarkable life. Born January 19,1940, in Ashdown, Arkansas, Vernil was the oldest of thirteen children born to Prince Richard and Leatice Allen Richard. She spent a significant portion of her younger life with her Uncle Elbert and Aunt Ruth Bradley and their six children. Her earthly journey ended January 20, 2025, in Dallas, the day after her 85th birthday. From humble beginnings in southeast Arkansas, Vernil developed a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to family. She broke new ground as the first in her family to go to college, enrolling at North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) to pursue a degree in nursing. While attending Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, she met Charles Mitchell in Sunday school—a chance encounter that blossomed into lifelong love. The couple welcomed their first child, Charles Jr., before moving to Washington D.C., where their second son, Keith, soon joined the family. Vernil’s career in nursing spanned over 40 years, serving as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Washington, DC, a visiting nurse with the Visiting Nurses Association in the Bronx, NYC, and helping her husband Charles open his own medical practice where she served as the primary nurse in his orthopedic practice. They had a shared passion for travel, the arts, tennis, skiing, gardening, cooking and most importantly being with family. She was generous with her time in supporting the next generation of African American leaders. In Dallas, Vernil supported numerous charitable activities and was incredibly active in the community. She was a charter member of the Dallas chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., and was an active member with the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was an active member of Friendship-West Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Charles D. Mitchell, Jr. (Millie) and their children, Charles III (Andrea), Tate and great grandson Charles IV; son, Keith G. Mitchell and his children Keith Jr. and Bryce; daughter-in- law, Renée Mornay; brothers, Sylvester Richard, Benny J. Richard, Bruce Richard (Claudia), Elbert Bradley Jr., Edward Bradley (Muriel), Alvin Bradley, Roosevelt Bradley (Diana) and Morris Bradley (Brenda); sisters, Anna Jewel Richard, Clara Mae Richard, Gloria Morris, Barbara Bradley Brown, Vivian Bradley Harper (Derrick); sister-in-law, Casanna Richard; brother-in-law, Huey P. Mitchell (Nelvia); sister-in-law Eartha Mitchell and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-eight years, Charles D. Mitchell, MD; her parents Prince and Leatice Richard; aunt and uncle, Elbert and Ruth Bradley; sisters, Willie Bell Henderson, Fannie B Richard, Helen Woodard, Ethel Jean Richard, Bobby Elaine Richard; and brother, Leroy Richard.