Della Crutchfield Mitchell, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019. She was born in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Rev. Henry and Agnes Crutchfield in 1930.
She lived in several North Carolina and Virginia cities following her father’s pastoral assignments. After graduating from Holland High School in 1948, she attended Elon College, meeting her future husband there in 1950. After receiving her B.A. in teaching in 1952, she married Richard. They moved to Norfolk, where, for the next 18 years, she taught elementary and junior high in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach schools.
In 1955, they purchased a home in the new developing community of Aragona Village. In 1960, they became members of Christ Presbyterian Church. When not in the classroom, Della enjoyed baking, sewing and singing — in both church and civic choral groups. She was also a Republican party campaign volunteer. After leaving teaching, she took up the piano and traveled extensively with Richard on business trips and vacations throughout the U.S. and Canada, including two trips to Alaska.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Paul; daughter, Juanita; brother, Lonnie; and sisters, Mary and Lois.
She is survived by her son, David (Chrisa); four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Margret, Rich and Will; and great-grandson, William.
The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home.
