John Cobbie Mitchell, Sr.

John Cobbie Mitchell, Sr., affectionately known as “JC,” a beloved father, family member, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at the age of 95 years young. Born on December 17, 1930, in Port Barre, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Mitchell, Sr. and Frances Smith. John was baptized at St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana, and later joined Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he served faithfully as a deacon until his illness.

JC lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, humor, and generosity. His first Houston job was with Gulf Concrete Pipe Company, after which he worked at Montalbano Lumber Company for 16 years before stepping out in faith and entrepreneurship to establish his own trucking and hauling company, along with landscaping services. If you ever heard the phrase “the hardest working man,” it truly described JC. He would work into the wee hours of the morning, rest briefly, and rise again with the rooster to start another full day.

JC was a natural charmer and a gifted storyteller. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make you laugh until your sides hurt with stories from his youth. He was known for his generosity, and for his deep respect for the value of a dollar. Had he not been stricken with shingles ten years ago, he would likely still be working on his vehicles and tending to his yards today—no exaggeration. John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the example he set through hard work, faith, and an unwavering love for family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Hazel Fields Mitchell.

Children:

Johnnie Robinson (Delbert, deceased), Frances Campbell-Hunt (David), Vernon Mitchell (Shelia), Carol Moncriffe (Miranda), John Cobbie Mitchell, Jr. (deceased), Gill “Pookie” Gregory (deceased), James Chatman, Tari McQueen (LV, Jr.), Michelle Mitchell, and Nathan Mitchell (deceased).

Siblings:

Dorothy Johnson (Clyde, Sr., both deceased), Georgiana Johnson (Edgar, both deceased), Samuel Mitchell, Sr. (Rosetta, both deceased), Hinder Johnson (Westley, both deceased), Tom Mitchell, Jr. (Freddie, both deceased), Lee Hester Carter (Manuel, both deceased), Candis Cains (Joseph, Sr., both deceased), Abbie Carter, Cliff Mitchell, Sr. (Kathleen, Cliff deceased), Peter James Mitchell (Marian, deceased), Louis Charles Mitchell (Vernell, both deceased), Joshua Mitchell, Sr. (Vergie), and Floyd Mitchell (Lillie, deceased). In addition he leaves 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends and neighbors.