Vera Eli Mitchell

VERA ELI MITCHELL, age 100, passed away on January 31, 2013 in Dandridge, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Walter Jewell Mitchell; and her sister, Mary Rose Ford. She is survived by her niece, Sue Ford Harris and her husband, Charles M. Harris of Alexandria, VA; and brother-in-law, Richard Ray Ford of Dandridge, TN. Vera Blanche Eli was born on February 17, 1912 in Dawson Springs, KY, the elder of two daughters of Henry Bennett Eli and Rillie Orten Eli. Vera grew up on a farm in Christian County, KY, where she attended public schools. She taught school for a time in a one room schoolhouse and continued to teach elementary school after graduating from Western Kentucky University. Vera married Jewell Mitchell in 1944. They lived in several cities in the United States and in Trinidad during his naval career. In addition to her profession as a teacher, Vera was an excellent homemaker, hostess, seamstress, and she did beautiful needlework. When Jewell retired, Vera and Jewell returned to Crofton, KY and lived on a farm that was part of the original land grant to Jewell?s ancestors. For several years, Vera and Jewell operated Ken-Vir Kennel, where they raised and trained Irish Setters for competitive showing. In 1978, they moved to Dandridge, TN and built a home next to her sister and brother-in-law near Douglas Lake, where they enjoyed a second retirement. Vera always had good health and at age 100, remained ambulatory and could read without glasses. She was a kind and loving person and was a beloved aunt to her niece, Sue. Vera was a member of Dandridge Garden Club, Crofton Christian Church, and the Kentucky Education Association. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Hughart and Beard Funeral Home in Crofton, KY, followed by interment at Pennyrile State Forest, Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation with family will be from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia Cemetery Association, Janie Phelps, Secretary, 20020 Dawson Springs Road, Dawson Springs, KY 42408. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN DANDRIDGE, TN 865-397-2711