Portsmouth—Helene Sears Mitchell, 102, of Crawford Parkway, passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Hal Mitchell, and her late mother and father, Sarah and Hyman Sears.
A native and lifetime resident of Portsmouth, she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Columbia University. Helene and Hal loved running the store, Sears, Betty & Bob, that was started by her mother Sarah Sears, and was a fixture in Downtown Portsmouth for over 50 years. She enjoyed dancing and never stopped tapping her toes to music.
She was a member of Congregation Beth El, Beasley Senior Center, Portsmouth Museum, Beth Sholom Home Auxiliary, and a former volunteer with Portsmouth Naval and Portsmouth General Hospital.
Mrs. Mitchell was an amazing and strong woman with a very special love for her family. She was known for generous spirit, kind heart and smile that could light the world.
She is survived by her son, Dudley Mitchell of Portsmouth; daughter, Carol Mitchell Roth of Woodstock, Ga.; granddaughter, Jodi Barton and husband Craig of Woodstock, Ga.; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service was held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery in Portsmouth by Rabbi Ron Koas. Memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of The Kings Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.