of Batesville, AR
August 14, 1945 - March 15, 2026
Mary Katherine Mitchell, 80, of Batesville, Arkansas, was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at her home in Batesville. She was born on August 14, 1945, in Batesville, Arkansas, the fifth of six children in the Leonard family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Nona (Edwards) Leonard; Bobby Leonard; and two sisters, Fayrene Stewart and Dorothy Caraway.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul Gaylon Mitchell; two sons, John Michael Mitchell (Tracey) and Paul Gregory Mitchell (Valerie); a granddaughter, Katherine Wray McGee (Eric); three grandsons, John Matthew Mitchell (Brittany), Harrison Dormady Mitchell, and Jack Dormady Mitchell; and three very special great-grandsons, Judah Scott McGee, John Harvey McGee, and James Mitchell McGee. She is also survived by two siblings, Carolyn Courtney and Gary Leonard.
Kay was kind and humble, but also spirited, as her family could attest. She was a steady, loving presence in the life of all of her family members. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in particular benefitted from her intuitive understanding of children, her teaching skill, and her loving kindness. She was a blessing to her family and a shining example of Christian goodness.
She was a devoted member of Harrison Street Church of Christ for over 30 years. She was a faithful Children's Sunday School teacher for many years where she served and taught all the children in her care about the love of Jesus Christ.
Kay, or Granny Kay as known by many, trusted in the Lord and wanted to encourage everyone through John 11:25-26, ''Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.''
A visitation will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home on Friday, March 20th from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow starting at 1:00 p.m.
Burial will be private.
In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made in her honor to Truth for Today World Mission School, 2209 S Benton Ave, Searcy, AR 72143.
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29 Condolence(s)
Sheryl Thompson
Friday, March 20, 2026
So sorry to hear of the passing of Kay. She was a great lady.
Ewell & Nancy Heath
Friday, March 20, 2026
Gaylon,
We are sorry to hear of your wife's passing and pray for your comfort during this time.
Glenn and Cathy Edwards and family
Friday, March 20, 2026
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH PAUL AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY . KAY TOOK OVER MY CLASSROOM , WHEN I WAS ON MATERNITY LEAVE WITH CHAD AND BRIAN. BRIAN LOVED MISS KAY WHEN SHE WORKED WITH HIM AT THE OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Dennis Broadwater
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Prayers for the family.
Jennifer Watson Sugg
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Thinking of your family Greg during this time. Fond memories of your mom as her energetic, fun, feisty self when she subbed at school sometimes for us. Lots of memories- deepest condolences.
Kathy Ried
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. I have good memories of Kay, having been in education for so long. She was always willing to help.
Judith C Haas
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
My prayers are with you Paul and dear family. Kay was such a dear Christian lady, teacher and friend. God be with you. Judy Haas
Ladene Bray
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. She was a sweet Christian lady and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family during this difficult time.
Chris and Evelyn Black
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Our deepest sympathy to Paul and the family for your loss. She will be missed.
Tiffany Hicks
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss! Prayers for Paul and family during this time.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Kay was a loving and kind soul, I always enjoyed listening to the many things Paul did to spoil her. The cards he bought each year at Valentine'S Day, one for each day starting February 1st til February 14. We will be praying for peace and comfort.
Leora O. Jeffery
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Prayers
Deborah Anderson
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
My Fridays will not be the same, Kay and I had many laughs and solved many world problems. She was a wise lady and we enjoyed hearing many of her life stories.
Prayers to all the family.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
My thoughts and prayers for your families.
Joseph Hill
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Debra and I are saddened to hear of Kay's passing. She was a cherished member of our Harrison Street church of Christ family for many years, and we were blessed to know her. Kay was a devout Christian woman with a kind and sweet spirit, and those who knew her well also appreciated her spirited personality.
We will miss seeing her, but we take comfort in the promise of God's word: ''Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'' �" Revelation 14:13.
Our prayers are with Paul and her family during this difficult time.
Joey & Debra Hill
Judy Ferrell
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Mike & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God sends you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Ron Bettis
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
To the mitchell family , all of us that knew her liked her, and today that is a rare find , to be liked by so many , and her chess pie was something special too . A friend Ron Bettis
Jim & Johnnie Hamilton
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Paul & Family we are so sorry for your loss. Kay was a very special lady. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kevin Jeffery
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Paul and the Mitchell family,
My sincere condolences to all of the friends and family on Kay's untimely passing. May you find comfort in knowing that our Creator has the eternal plan of salvation for those that believe in Him. I am sorry for your loss.
James Eason
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Mike I am sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Larry Allgood
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. My heart and prayers are with Paul, the children and grandchildren, Carolyn, Gary, and all who loved her. May you feel God's peace surrounding you, and may it bring comfort to know that Kay is now safely in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Stacy Gunderman
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Praying for God's peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Louise Keene Hooper
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Paul , Gary and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God bless and comfort you is my prayer.
Greta Hambrick Seward
Monday, March 16, 2026
Prayers going up for the family of Mary Katherine (Kay) Mitchell. Greg, I was your third grade teacher and I've never forgotten you, or your family. May God comfort all of you during this time of loss.
Tim Conyers
Monday, March 16, 2026
Lifting you and your family up in prayer Paul! Sorry to hear of your loss but you know where she is now!! Tim
Perry and Tammy Gann
Monday, March 16, 2026
Kay was such a sweet Lady and I know how much she will be missed by her family and friends. Sending thoughts and prayers for all of the family. May the Lord comfort and keep you as only He can.
Perry and Tammy Gann
Crystal Nast
Monday, March 16, 2026
So sorry for your loss.
Martha McGinnis Healey
Monday, March 16, 2026
Teaching with Kay at East School during the late 80s and early 90s I quickly became aware of both her intelligence and her gift for teaching. She was a blessing to her students and colleagues. Condolences to her family.
Peggy Pearce
Monday, March 16, 2026
Kay was a very, kind, gentle, Christian lady, a sister in Christ, a wonderful neighbor and friend! She will be missed by many! She lived prepared for the day God called her home. Randy and Peggy Pearce