Rachel Mitchell

"Glam-Ma" Canton – Rachel Lovelace Mitchell, passed away peacefully, at the age of 94, on Monday, August 22, 2016 at The Homestead following a short illness. Rachel was born April 29, 1922 as the second child of Leonard Reid Lovelace and Ida Gertrude Wallace Lovelace. In addition to her parents and husband, Morris Mitchell, Rachel was preceded in death by her brothers, Reid and Daniel Lovelace. Rachel spent her early years in Haywood County, graduating from Canton High School in 1939, then attended Meredith College, from which she graduated in 1943. Fiercely proud of her time at Meredith, she ardently followed activities at the school throughout her life and remained in touch with many of her college classmates. Rachel returned to Haywood County soon after her graduation and joined the faculty at her high school alma mater. She would remain part of the mathematics faculty there and at Pisgah High School until 1980, a four-year sabbatical the only interruption in her distinguished teaching career. In addition to her classroom duties, she served as faculty advisor for the student councils at both schools and as well as numerous clubs. More than three decades of high school students in Canton celebrated Rachel Margaret Lovelace Mitchell as their favorite math teacher, the beloved educator whom they stopped in grocery stores and restaurants, often years removed from graduation, to simply say thank you for the lessons in numbers and life she offered while on the faculty at Canton and Pisgah High schools. Others in Haywood County knew Rachel as the model of community service, giving her time and intelligence to local organizations not for personal reward, but solely for the betterment of others. But the role she treasured most was saved for her family, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who served as a beacon of grace and dignity, quietly sharing her wisdom while illuminating the journey of life for those closest to her. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as "Glam-Ma" due to the pride that she took in her dress and appearance. Her dedication to others extended beyond the classroom. Rachel served on the Haywood Regional Medical Center Board of Directors from 1989-1997, overseeing the personnel committee during part of that tenure. She taught a Sunday school class at Canton First Baptist Church and was also honored to serve as a church deacon for several years among other roles at the church. She served as president of the Canton Women's Club and was a member of many other civic organizations. Of her many accomplishments, though, Rachel was proud of nothing as much as her family. Married to her soulmate, Morris Mitchell, in 1945, the two shared a love that served as a model for others until his death in 2013. Their home in Canton served as a gathering place for family throughout their lives, with many Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals shared, Rachel typically the last to take her seat as she made certain everyone had a full plate and full heart. Rachel is survived by her two daughters, Jane Mitchell Rhinehart and husband, Phillip, of Canton and Margaret Mitchell Robinson and husband, Jonathan, of Athens, Ga.; grandchildren, Andy Rhinehart and wife, Leslie, of Columbus, Keri Rhinehart Hill and husband, Eric, of Canton, Rachel Robinson Benson and husband, Craig, of Madison, Ga. and Todd Robinson and wife, Laura, of Atlanta, Ga.; nine great-grandchildren and beloved sisters-in-law, Billie Lovelace of Asheville, Glenda Lovelace of Virginia Beach, Va. and Lois Mills of Houston, Texas. In recent years, Rachel also enjoyed the company of caregivers Chris Claytor, Rita Phillips, Rosie Creasman, Vickie Robinson, and Linda Sheppard. Funeral services will held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at Canton First Baptist Church with the Reverend Eric Hill and Chaplain Keri Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery on Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. prior to the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Dr. Craig Benson, Kenneth Lovelace, Rodney Phillips, Andy and Samuel Rhinehart, and Todd Robinson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for gifts and donations to be sent to the Helping Hand Fund, Rockwood United Methodist Church, 288 Crabtree Mountain Road, Canton, NC 28716 or Haywood County Health Care Foundation Hospice, c/o The Homestead, 127 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde, N.C. 28721.

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