Velna Mae Mitchell

Velna Mae Hodges Mitchell, known to relatives and non-relatives as Aunt Velna, age 96 years, 4 months, and 16 days was born in Surry County, NC on December 12, 1921 to Julius Brady Hodges and Cora Savannah Nichols Hodges.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, James “Jim” Columbus Mitchell, her parents, as well as her brothers; Winfred Leo Hodges, Odell Brady Hodges, and Harold Monroe Hodges.
In her young public career she worked at Kinley Hotel in Dobson as a waitress and cook. When Washington Mills opened in Dobson she worked there for more than 30 years until the plant closed.  She finished her career at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in the dietary department when she retired at age 79. She and Jim also farmed full time raising tobacco, corn, wheat and cows.  For their personal use they raised chickens, pigs and a huge vegetable garden.  Before leaving for work each day Aunt Velna cooked lunch for the farm hands.  No one left her table hungry.
After Jim died she became the unofficial historian of her community.  She was frequently visited by friends and strangers asking about original locations of area schools, houses, and family graveyards. She loved to invite people to sit in the rocking chairs on her porch for conversation and to enjoy the cool breezes.
She is survived by seven nephews: Glenn Mitchell, Keith Hodges, John Hodges, Aldon Hodges, Hal Hodges, Steven Hodges, and Tracy Hodges.  Two nieces:  Jean Collins, and Debbie Mitchell, numerous great nieces and nephews and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the many friends and neighbors for their every act of kindness, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time.
The body will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 1PM until 2PM on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Central View Baptist Church, 1088 White Dirt Road, Dobson, NC.  The funeral will immediately follow at 2PM.  After the service she will be laid to rest beside her husband in the church cemetery.