Gracie Mae Green-Mitchell was born to Fannie Talley Davis and B.C.Davis on June 17, 1931 in Spalding County. Grace was raised by her maternal grandparents Nochie Bell and Matt Talley. She lovingly became known as just Grace.

Grace married the late Willie Albert Green at an early age and to this union were born 7 children; Barbara Green, Willie Floyd Green (deceased), Lillie (Willie Smith), Shirley (Raymond Wilson), Walter Green (deceased) Karen, Harry Green (Melissa), Freddie Green (Loretta) , an adopted daughter Jean Akins, a special cousin Matt Calvin Talley, and many unofficial foster children.

Grace later married Rubin Andrew Mitchell, who she leaves to mourn along with 5 of her children, 26 Grandchildren, 51 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, one sister Willie Mae Arnold (Emmitt), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Grace worked over 30 years as a cook in various restaurants throughout Coweta County, and just prior to retirement she worked at Goode Brothers Poultry. Retirement for her meant moving to a new job where she opened and operated a local food bank for over 21 years. Community Service became her new profession. Every Tuesday and Thursday local residents and individuals from surrounding counties came to get bread, sweets, and other goodies along with clothes, shoes, furniture, or whatever was needed. If she didn’t have it, she had connections and would find it for you. She would deliver to those individuals who could not come to her. She ran her business in a professional manner. You could get whatever you wanted, but you had to sign for it and promise to use it for yourself or share it with others. Her blessings were not to be sold. Before you left with your package, you probably got an update on the community, what was happening with her family and church, and a prayer for whatever your concern may be at the time.

Grace’s food bank and food distribution service was so popular that people would wave her down on the street to find out what she had that day. Adults in the community called her the “Bread Lady,” but to the children she was the “Cake Lady.”

All of her school age grandchildren dreaded the days she would show up at their school in her colorful clothing to check on them or attend a school program. During these times, all the local children who knew her would say things like “I know her. That’s Miss Grace, the Cake Lady.” Of course this wasn’t dreaded as much as when she’d put the grandchildren on the back of the truck or in the van, and make them ride around with her handing out the “goodies.” Some of the older grands had to even wear a Community Service Uniform from time to time.

Grace was a friend, who truly would stick closer than a sister or a brother. She exemplified the scripture that tells us, “Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.” She did that and more, and always had a smile on her face. All of her dedication did not go unnoticed by her community. She received honors and recognitions through her church and others to highlight her service.

Her most recent award was bestowed by the Neweta Club, of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women. They named her as their Mother of the Year in recognition of her accomplishments to her community.

Somebody suggested that Grace has now made her transition to that great “Food Bank” in the sky. If that’s the case, then surely she brought the “loaves,” somebody else will have to provide the “fish.” Though our hearts are heavy at the time, we too look forward to one day going from our labor to reward. Sunset just makes way to a new day. The Green-Mitchell family challenges you all to make each day a new day of service to Jesus Christ, with lives worthy of his sacrifice for us.

Family Visitation will be at
FIRST NEWNAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - 265 Yeager Road, Newnan, GA 30265 from 6PM to 8 PM Sunday October 16th.

Professional services provided by Sewell Funeral Homes. http://www.sewellfuneralhomes.com