Carolyn B. Mitchell

Published 9:55 am Friday, June 13, 2025

AHOSKIE – Carolyn Spivey Brett Mitchell, a devoted wife, mother, educator, and cherished member of the Ahoskie community, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on April 7, 1940, in Ahoskie, Hertford County, North Carolina, Carolyn spent her entire life in the town she loved dearly.

A dedicated educator, Carolyn devoted her career to the instruction and mentorship of countless students as an English teacher at Ahoskie High School and Roanoke Chowan Community College. She found joy in inspiring young minds and nurturing their potential, often organizing class trips to New York City and sharing her love for learning beyond the classroom.

Her passion for music was evident from an early age; she was thrilled to serve as editor of her high school newspaper, “Pow Wow,” and performed with the band playing the clarinet. Carolyn took pleasure in singing with her classmates, a pastime she continued by contributing her voice to the choir at Ahoskie United Methodist Church, where she was a beloved member until its closure. Thereafter, she and her husband Tommy attended First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. Though Carolyn is no longer with us, the love and light she imparted to her family, students, and community will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

On the home front, Carolyn was embraced by a warm family circle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel Spivey Brett and John Hayes Brett, as well as her brother, John Montgomery Brett. Left to treasure her memory are her beloved husband of 64 years, Tommy Mitchell, whom she cherished deeply; her son, Noel Mitchell of Aulander; her daughter, April Mitchell of Ahoskie; and her dear nephew, Ian Brett, his wife Amanda, and their children Liam, London, and Whitley of Kernersville, NC, along with many extended family members and friends.

In her personal time, Carolyn found happiness in simple pleasures—playing the ukulele, reveling in the beauty of butterflies and giraffes, and sharing a love for cats. Her joy knew no bounds when it came to traveling with Tommy or dancing by his side.

A memorial service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, North Carolina, with Pastor Merritt Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

The family of Carolyn Mitchell wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care that was shown to her while in Ahoskie Health and Rehabilitation as well as Gentiva Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ahoskie Food Pantry, PO Box 159, Ahoskie, NC 27910, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com and searching for the fund under Carolyn Mitchell.

Online condolences can be shared at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, at 205 NC Hwy 42 West, PO Box 908, Ahoskie, NC 27910, (252) 332-3122.