Ellen Raenelle Mitchell
Ellen Raenelle Mitchell, a beacon of love and education, passed away on December 14, 2023, at the age of 72, after a valiant battle with mucinous adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Born on August 27, 1951, in Ft. Worth, Texas, Raenelle’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and lifelong learning. She left this world in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family and the countless memories she created.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life at 2:00PM, Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the McNett Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Kevin Covington Officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Andrews County North Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM8:00PM, Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at McNett Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the personal care of McNett Funeral Home.
Raenelle’s early years in Texas set the stage for a life full of passion and purpose. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in history and elementary education at the University of Texas Permian Basin and her Master’s degree in Library Science at Texas Woman’s University, she embarked on a fulfilling career as a teacher. Raenelle’s love for teaching was evident to all who knew her; she dedicated many years to nurturing the minds and hearts of her students, instilling in them the value of education and the joy of discovery.
Her personal life was as rich and full as her professional one. Raenelle was the loving matriarch of a close-knit family, which included her beloved son, Tom Mitchell and his wife Mandi of Lubbock, TX, and her daughter, Melody Greathouse, and her husband Bill of Odessa, TX. She found immense joy in her role as GanGan to her cherished grandchildren, Kanyon Greathouse, Ethan Mitchell, and Harper Mitchell. Raenelle’s family circle extended to her devoted sister, Patsy Gough and her husband Sprig of Cisco, TX, her sister-in-law, Brenda Gray and her husband Dusty of Andrews, TX, and her brother-in-law, Mike Moore of Andrews, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Mitchell, her parents, Jack and Emily Murphy, her brother, Wayne Murphy, her sister, Wanda and husband Jack Driver, and sister MaryBeth Moore.
Raenelle’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active and beloved member of the North Crest Baptist Church for over a decade and had previously devoted many years to the community at McKinney Acres Baptist Church. Her faith guided her through life’s challenges and was a source of strength and comfort to her and those she loved.
Beyond her family and faith, Raenelle had a zest for life’s simple pleasures. She was a connoisseur of Lifetime movies, Guy’s Grocery Games, home improvement tv shows, and found laughter and companionship in the antics of “The Golden Girls.” An avid reader, she delighted in perusing recipe books and exploring new culinary delights, much to the benefit of friends and family who enjoyed her cooking. Raenelle’s commitment to personal growth never wavered, and she took great pride in her education, always seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of the world.
Raenelle’s legacy is one of love, education, and faith. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her students, and her community left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit will live on in the lessons she taught, the meals she shared, and the laughter she inspired.
As we bid farewell to Ellen Raenelle Mitchell, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. She will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched. Raenelle’s story is one of triumph, love, and the enduring power of education, and she will forever be remembered as a cherished wife, mother, GanGan, sister, teacher, and friend.
