Herbert "Leon" Mitchell

Herbert "Leon" Mitchell of Winston Salem, NC, went to heaven on September 19, 2026, to await the love of his life, Verna, to whom he was married for 68 years. Born August 5, 1937, in Durham, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Herbert O. and Pearl A. Mitchell.

Leon attended Durham High School and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he met his future wife. He received his MA degree from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. His career included teaching in Bennettsville, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as serving many years as assistant principal of Eastway Junior High School. He concluded his career as a transportation coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He and Verna moved to Homestead Hills Senior Development Center in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 2015.He had had many friends here who loved him for his gentle nature and warm smile.

Leon’s Christian faith was of utmost importance in his life. He found great encouragement in Bible studies, both group and personal, and he was dedicated to serving God. One of his greatest joys was his family, and he cherished family-together times. He delighted in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The grandkids called him “Pop.” His family and friends will remember always how he loved to tease. He was proud of the achievements of each family member.

For many years, Leon enjoyed working in the yard, creating a beautiful lawn, then mowing it, and planting colorful shrubs and flowers. At one place he lived, a favorite activity was cutting down tall pine trees, and whenever his son or son-in-law would come for a visit, they’d spend hours cutting, chopping, carrying limbs, and laughing.

Leon had a passion for golf—playing it and watching games on TV. He enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles. He loved to travel, and during many summer vacations, he and Verna took long trips across the country. One of his favorite trips overseas was a tour of the footsteps of Paul in Greece. He was a pied piper for dogs, who “took” to him instantly, and he was devoted to a succession of little poodles who lived in their home, as well as a westie, belonging to a good friend near their apartment.

A kind man, Leon had great listening skills, and he liked to tell people how much he appreciated them. He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife’s parents, John and Elsie Cole; his brothers-in-law, Samuel B. and John Cole; his sister-in-law, Mary Edith Cole Ashby; and his sister and husband, Doris and Lowell Flint.

Surviving family includes his wife, Verna Jean Cole Mitchell; his son, Dennis Leon (Teresa) Mitchell: his daughter, Debra Lynn (Phil) Cheap; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Matt) Smith, Allison (Joseph) Tucker, Drew (Jess) Cheap, and Nolan (Megan) Cheap; his great-grandchildren, Ella and Sadie Smith, Titus and Case Tucker, Piper and Scotty Cheap, and Malachi Cheap; his sister in law, Lois Cole; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Dr. Joseph Tucker officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Robert F. Miller Center next door to the chapel.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC: https://www.calvarychurch.com/giving and Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice) in Winston-Salem, NC: https://www.trellissupport.org/donate

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.