Dixie Lee Mitchell
Dixie Lee (Thorton) Mitchell, 79, died peacefully in her home in the presence of family on Sunday, October 3, 2021 after a long battle with multiple illnesses. Dixie and her twin brother Michael were born in Salinas, Kansas in 1942. As the daughter of a US ARMY Colonel, she moved around to various states and countries during her youth. After starting high school in Germany she eventually graduated from Arundel High School in Gambrills, MD. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree from American University. Fluent in French and German, Dixie followed her college years by working 7 years as a translator for the National Security Agency until 1968 when she married the love of her life, Lt. Col. Ret. Edwin A. Mitchell and started a family. Dixie and Edwin have three grown children that all still live locally and were at her side at the time of her death; Michael Mitchell of Abingdon, MD, Laura Mitchell of Annapolis, MD and Melissa Murray of Severna Park, MD.
Dixie loved nothing more than spending time with or bragging about her six grandchildren, Romina, Michael, Lily, Mitchell, Alexandra and Thomas. Dixie had a long career in retail and could be found at one of the local department stores. She enjoyed traveling abroad having visited over 24 countries.Dixie was a fiercely loyal friend and adored entertaining and cooking for her friends. She excelled at playing bridge and was an avid reader. Dixie was known as an amazing athlete, excelling in swimming, bowling, water skiing and snow skiing. Her yard was her pride and joy and could be found working in her garden with her flowers for hours. Dixie had a strong love of all animals, especially the family Doberman Pinschers and countless other pets. Out of all of her many accomplishments, nothing gave her more joy than her role as a mother. She constantly put others before her own needs and her generosity knew no bounds.
Dixie was preceded in death by her parents Col. Ret. William and Dorothy Thornton, her sister Dorothy Jean Thornton and countless Aunts, Uncles and close friends. She is survived by her husband Edwin Mitchell, brothers Michael Thornton and William Thornton, son and daughter-in-law Michael and Mary Mitchell, daughter Laura Mitchell, daughter and son-in-law Mike and Melissa Murray and her 6 beloved grandchildren.
Viewing will be Sunday October 10th from 2-4pm and 6pm-8pm at the Hardesty funeral home on Ridgley Ave in Annapolis. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday October 11th at 10:30am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis MD.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be placed at www.hardestyfuneralhome.com