SGT. DELMA JOSEPH MITCHELL, SR.UNITED STATES ARMY RETIRED"FRENCHIE"

Delma departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the age of 91. He was born on June 6, 1922 to Elmus Mitchell and Agatha Harris in Lake Charles, LA and was affectionately nicknamed "Frenchie".

"Frenchie" grew up in Lake Charles and attended Second Ward Colored School. He was drafted in 1942 for military service and on November 18th of that same year he entered into the United States Army.Throughout his military service Delma received over 14 decorations and honors. After 26 years of service he retired from the military on May 3, 1968.

After retiring from the military, he became gainfully employed with Shetler Lincoln Mercury until his retirement in 2008 where he served as the Parts Department Manager.

He became a member of Zion Tabernacle in 1974. He was a faithful member of the Men''s Sunday School Class, a charter member and president of the Nickel-a-Day Club, and served as Church Treasurer for over 30 years. He served as Treasurer Emeritus until his death.

Delma was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Rosa Lee Deal, Emma Page, Marjorie Fields, Daisy Sims, and Shirley Guidry; brothers Elmus, Carlton, and Stanley Mitchell; children Thelicia Dee Mason, Artie Faye Outley, and Carl Lee Esclavon.

His legacy will continue through his devoted wife Regina "Ruby" Mitchell; his sisters Josina Roberts, Alice Mitchell, Gerald Ann Mitchell; sister-in-law Audrey Nell (Andrew) Jackson; daughters Etta Pete (Wilson), Judy Collins, Tammy Mitchell, Gisele Williams, Bridgette Liggons, and Deadra Bradley (Edward); sons James Outley (Janie), Delma Mitchell and Clyde Mitchell (Paula); twenty grandchildren and twenty eight great-grandchildren.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service date: August 3, 2013

His funeral will be at 11am Saturday, August 3, in Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church. The Rev. Alvin Brass will officiate. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Visitation is from 9am -11am Saturday in the church.