Midge Annette Mitchell

Midge Annette Mitchell, artist and animal lover, died on Saturday, December 14th at the age of 63. Midge had natural warmth, a sharp wit, and creativity that seemed to flow effortlessly in everything she did.

Midge was born the fourth of five children on September 7, 1961. Daughter of Sylvia Beal Mitchell and the late Louis Benson Mitchell, she grew up in Pittsboro graduating Northwood High School then attending Appalachian State in 1979, where she began to nurture her lifelong love for the arts. A true nature lover, she settled in Saxapahaw to enjoy life on the river where she could be found capturing its beauty with her camera, especially on cloudy days.

Midge was fortunate to spend her life as an artist, both professionally and personally, and her artistic pursuits knew no bounds. An avid photographer, digital artist, sculptor, metal worker, and painter, she never stopped making or learning. For over 30 years, she worked alongside her brother as Studio Manager and Designer at Tommy Mitchell, LLC where she was the heart of the studio. Midge’s creativity and work ethic helped shape the company and made it a place of inspiration for everyone who worked with her.

Her art may carry her legacy, but for those of us who knew her, her real legacy lives in the memories she made with us. She was the ultimate mix of hilarious, bold, loyal, and kind—a fiercely loving sister, daughter, and friend who made life way more interesting.  She was also a comically funny road rager, an incredibly thoughtful gift giver, a Lenny Kravitz admirer, a camera collector who despised being photographed, an animal lover who used social media to save lost pets (though she did keep the scariest one), and her family’s biggest fan.

Midge is survived by her mother, Sylvia Beal Mitchell; her siblings, Linda Jones, Pam Shuping (Bill), Kaye Mitchell-May (Norman), and Tommy Mitchell (Marty); her nieces and nephews, each of whom believed they were her favorite, and their children. She is remembered by her lifelong friends, Anna Scott, Lisa Langley, Julie Greene, and the late Tracy Shaner-Farrell, as well as many other friends, coworkers, and loved ones.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory Griffin Chapel, 396 West St, Pittsboro, NC, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests donations be made to Chatham Sheriff's County Animal Resources 725 Renaissance Drive Pittsboro, NC 27312 or The Goathouse Refuge 680 Alton Alston Road Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Though Midge’s time with us was too short, her legacy will continue through her art, her love for her family, and the joy shared with us all. You never know when someone’s story will end, but we will never stop telling hers.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Mitchell Family.