Mrs. Jane Harris Mitchell

Jane Harris Mitchell, 100, of Cullowhee passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Brooks Howell Home in Asheville, NC. She was born in Spencer, NC, on November 30, 1916. Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Stedman Mitchell, who passed away on June 17, 2017; her parents, James and Clementine Harris; and her sister, Sara Young, all of Spencer. Surviving Jane are her two children, Beth Palmer (Chip) of Texas, and David Smith (Wanda) of Salisbury; two step daughters, Susan Thrower of Asheville and Frances Mincey (Jim) of Cullowhee. Surviving grandchildren include Chris Palmer and Stephanie Palmer of Texas, David Smith, Jr. of Colorado, Courtney Wood (Shannon) of Salisbury, Brittany Morrow and Brian Morrow of Salisbury, Valerie Moss (Dan) of Hillsboro, and Mitchell Mincey (Mary Beth) of Waynesville. Her four great grandchildren are Victoria Smith of Salisbury, Jay Wood and Ashley Wood of Salisbury, and Ryan Moss of Hillsboro. In addition, Jane is survived by many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. A child of the Depression and a member of the “Greatest Generation”, Jane was born and raised in Spencer, NC - then a main repair hub for the old Southern Railroad. She earned an athletic scholarship to Flora McDonald College from which she graduated in 1938 with degree in Home Economics. While raising her family in Spencer, she was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, Hospital Auxiliary, Spencer Presbyterian Church, as well as many other civic and community organizations. She was an avid golfer, a beautiful seamstress, a fantastic cook, and an avid traveler. Jane married and moved to Cullowhee, in beautiful western NC, where she continued to be active in the life of that community. As a longtime member of Cullowhee Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School for many years. In the last half of her life she embraced mountain living, loved her combined families, and found joy in life. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Cullowhee Baptist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be made to Cullowhee Baptist Church, PO Box 37, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or to Spencer Presbyterian Church, PO Box 4, Spencer, NC 28159.

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Mrs. Jane Harris Mitchell

November 30, 1916 - July 23, 2017