Bernadine Faye Mitchell

Bernadine (Bernie) Faye Mitchell passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She fought a courageous battle with cancer, then entered Heaven into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bernadine was born on March 17, 1945 in Sublette, KS to William (Bill) and Francis (Marie) Salem. She was one of ten children who learned the virtue of hard work as she toiled alongside her family on a rural farm. Through the years and several relocations, Bernie attend schools in Kansas and Elk City, OK. She graduated from high school at Foreman, Arkansas in 1966, while living with her older brother Charles and his family. Bernie moved to Noble, Oklahoma in 1971 after a period in California, where she worked at an electronics plant and played softball as a catcher. She managed a business in Noble named Mama's Pizza. It was there where she met her future husband, Forrest. Bernie and Forrest were married on May 21, 1977. Together they had one son, Travis, who was and remains the light of their lives. As a homemaker, Bernie was an amazing mother, taking great pride in caring for Travis. As Travis grew, he was soon with cousins who Bernie would babysit, creating even closer bonds with all who benefitted from her loving care and great food. Family was always a priority with Bernie, who actively participated in all family gatherings. Another big event in Bernie's life began when she became a grandmother. Jentry, the eldest, bestowed upon Bernie the name of "Gigi". Bernie informed Forrest that Gigi actually meant "gorgeous grandma". "Grandpa" Forrest totally agreed. Jentrey, then Theodore, then Ralynne gave unselfish love and time that truly fulfilled Bernie's life as "Gigi". Bernie was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Noble, helping watch children in the nursery, watering plants in the beds surrounding the church building, and serving as a member of WMU, Women on Mission, providing meals for countless occasions. Bernadine is survived by her husband of over 47 years, Forrest Mitchell of Noble, OK, son Travis and wife Rachel Mitchell of Noble, and grandchildren Jentrey June, Theodore William, and Ralynne Kay Mitchell of Noble. Three sisters, Lilly and husband Elza Harris of Noble, Betty Whitlock of Noble, and Dorothy and husband Steve Kardokus of Flower Mound, TX. Brother-in-law Brad Mitchell of Winfield, KS, and two sisters-in-law, Ann Salem of Foreman, AR, and Vondale Salem of Blanchard, OK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and others considered to be "Bernie and Forrest's kids". Preceding her in death include her parents William and Marie Salem, in-laws Travis and Lorene Mitchell; brothers Charles, Emmet, and Orville Salem, brother-in-law Ross Mitchell; along with sisters and brothers-in-law Wanita and Chuck Smith, Mary and Bob Fancher, and Lorene and Vincent Fitzgerald. Viewing and visitation will be held from 1-5 P.M. Sunday at Wilson Little in Purcell. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 9, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Noble. Burial will follow at Noble I.O.O.F Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/donate.html) or the First Baptist Church Women on Mission. Please send online condolences at www.wilsonlittle.com

Bernadine Faye Mitchell

March 17, 1945 - September 1, 2024