Mamie Mixon

Mamie Johnson Mixon lived to be 101 years old. She died peacefully on a beautiful spring day, Thursday, May 7, 2020. To know her was to be in the presence of laughter and peace.  Mamie Mixon knew many people and each one would attest to her special positive brand of kindness and sincerity—and she spread it around like confetti, but somehow it felt like it was an offering she made special, just for you. Her laugh was infectious, her humor was robust and her anger, nonexistent.  She was fun and knew only the company of friends.
Born to the late Estelle Christine Wilson and the late James B. Johnson on February 25, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, her early life was spent between Cleveland and Frankfort, Kentucky, where much of her family lived.  Mamie was educated in Cleveland public schools, and graduated from Central High School in 1937.  Soon after, she married Carl James Mixon, whom preceded her in death in Nov, 2001.  Three children born to this union are the late Carolyn J. Clinkscale, Lawrence J. Mixon, and Lynda J. Epps.
Early in life, Mamie answered a spiritual calling, and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. “There but for the grace of God go I,” was the phrase she often recited, as she was patently aware that her fortunes in life; family, friends, and abundances, were gifts that were not afforded to everyone, and made her an empathetic and compassionate giver to others and to causes and charities.
Children were a very important part of Mamie’s life.  She kept an in home daycare center for many years.  The neighborhood children were lovingly known as “her kids”.  The greatest testament to her influence on all these children would be the ongoing relationships that remained throughout her lifetime.
Mamie and Carl traveled extensively throughout the United States.  They were known for their legendary summer ROAD TRIPS—all points west! Mamie tried her hand at ceramics, painting, and firing her masterpieces and giving them away as gifts.  An expert story teller, she helped us to be better people.  It is said that when an old person dies, they take an entire library of knowledge with them.  This is the case, as Mamie passes.  She bears witness to our histories and our lives.  She effortlessly seemed to have touched our lives in countlessly, meaningful ways.
In 1999 Mamie and Carl moved their residence from Cleveland to Winston-Salem, N.C. and became members of Grapevine Baptist Church.  Here they rededicated their lives to Christ through baptism.
Mamie is survived by her daughter Lynda of Atlanta, Georgia, son Lawrence, of Cleveland, Ohio.  Many, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, family and friends will miss her dearly.