REV. DR. JODIE MITCHELL

Pastor Jodie Mitchell was born in Rome, Georgia on July 25, 1940 to the late John and Lois (Ford) Mitchell, the second son of seven children, (three brothers preceded him in death); John, Samuel, and Isaiah. Great granddaughter; Jordynn Callie also preceded him in death. His family moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1950 and he was baptized two years later at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He enlisted in the United States Army in December 1958 as a Medical Specialist and served for twenty-seven years, retiring in April 1986 at the rank of Master Sergeant. His twenty-seven years carried him to many places throughout the world to include St. Louis, Ft. Bliss, TX., Ft. Campbell, KY., Ft. Ord, CA., Korea, Germany, two tours of Vietnam and lastly Ft. Sam Houston, TX. During his military career he obtained education in the areas of medical specialist, faculty development, organization, civilian supervisory and combat development. He also was the recipient of various decorations, citations, badges and campaign ribbons to include; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Good Conduct (8 times), Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (Rifle-M16) and Legion of Merit.

After retirement from the military, Jodie worked as a civil service employee at Fort Sam Houston, TX in the capacity of Program Analyst for the Army Medical Development Board, Army Medical Department Center and School, retiring in 2010.

Jodie became a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in July of 1983 under the leadership of the late Reverend John Joseph Rector, Sr. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, General Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Under the Bridge Ministry and President of the Male Chorus.

He surrendered to the call of the ministry February 20, 1990 and served as Associate Minister at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He was ordained February 20, 1994 and received his Bachelor of Theology from the original Guadalupe College on May 20, 1994. He continued his education and went on to receive his Doctorate in Theology from the Guadalupe College at Friendship Baptist Church in May 1998.He was called to pastor the Stranger’s Temple Baptist Church in July 1994 and remained a faithful servant and shepherd of the flock until the Lord in His infinite wisdom called Jodie home to rest and be reunited with his wife, Marvis who preceded him in death.

Jodie is survived by his four children, Daughter, Sherry Mitchell-Hightower of San Antonio; Sons; Gregory Mitchell (Peggy Dennis Mitchell), Gerald Mitchell (Mary Mitchell) both of San Antonio and Kevin Mitchell of Colorado Springs, CO. Grandchildren; Christopher (Desiree), Lauren, Antwan, Melody (Gregory), Porchia (Ralph), Jasmine, Christina (Troy), Brandon, Jordan, Amelia, Vanessa (Jeremy), Jessica and Malissa. Great-grandchildren; Bibiana, Christopher, Isabel, Shuri, Lyric, MuZiq, Cherish, SaMaya, GianLuca, Rhea, Zion, Troy III, Rezin, Avaree, Kash, Jaylon, Blake and Bailee. Two sisters; Magdalene Daniels of Columbus, OH and Inez Frazier of Tallahassee, FL. Brother; Joseph Mitchell of Columbus, OH.

Friends and devoted church members.

Pastor Mitchell will truly be missed by all.