Christine Beaver Mitchell

Christine Beaver Mitchell (Chris) entered into her eternal home on Tuesday July 14, 2026, in Lexington, NC at the age of 83 after a gallant fight with cancer and was welcomed into Heaven by her Savior, Jesus Christ and her beloved husband, Tommy.

Chris was born November 18,1942 in Caldwell County NC, the 9th child of James and Emma Beaver. She was preceded in death by her parents and her five brothers and three sisters. Chris's early life was marked by extreme poverty, often relying on neighbors for the basic necessities of food and clothing. The compassion shown by these people was never lost on Chris and she always expressed gratitude to those that helped her as a small child. And from this she was able to develop a giving heart that lasted the rest of her life.

As an early teen, Chris chose to live at the Grandfather's Children Home in Banner Elk, NC, where she formed lifelong friendships and thrived as a student and as an athlete at Cranberry High School in Avery County, NC. Chris rode the school bus from the children's home to Cranberry High School and on that bus is where she met a handsome high school bus driver named Tommy Mitchell. That began their lifelong love story. Upon graduation, Chris and Tommy were wed in 1962. They would remain married for 63 years until Tommy's passing in January, 2026. From this union Chris and Tommy were blessed with two daughters, Sandra M. Kennedy (Bobby) and Cynthia M.Gerken (Keith).

Chris and Tommy built a wonderful life together living both on Beech Mountain and in Winston Salem. They were members of Rosemont Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church for many years where Tommy served as a deacon and trustee. Tommy and Chris loved traveling, and they visited several states and different countries during their "traveling years". Chris also loved bowling and bowled in many leagues and tournaments over the years. Whether it was bowling, cards, checkers or any other game, Chris was very competitive and she loved playing games with her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren wanted it noted that Nanny would never "just let" them win!

Chris is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Sandy and Bobby Kennedy and Cynthia and Keith Gerken. She is also survived by her grandchildren who adored her: Dylan Kennedy (Jessica) and Austin Kennedy (Caroline), Jessica and Mitchell Gerken (Ashley) and Jamie Cruse. Her great-grandchildren left to cherish their time with her include Bella Grace, Carolina, Elijah, Grayson, Austin, Reagan, and a special niece, Maria.

Chris was a lifetime Atlanta Braves fan and was a fountain of love and you did not leave her presence without a hug and a "I love you" upon departure. And if you were extremely fortunate you would receive a homemade banana pudding or her prize-winning coconut pie. She was a very caring and generous person and she loved with all her heart. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 12PM at Shiloh Church of Lexington with Pastor Paul Perkins officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 10:30 AM to 12 PM. A private entombment will take place at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Davidson County www.alderwoodhealth.org
Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek is respectfully assisting the Mitchell family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com