Steven Duane Mitchell, born on May 14, 1957, in Sandusky, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2024, at the age of 67. His passing was sudden, yet we find comfort in knowing that he is now in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior.
Steven was the beloved son of Kenneth Harley and Ellen Juanita (nee Smith) Mitchell. At the tender age of eight, Steven moved with his family to Shelby Township, Michigan, where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Utica High School, furthered his education at Macomb Community College, and completed his theology studies at Beacon University.
Steven dedicated many years of service as a postal carrier with the United States Postal Service until his retirement almost a decade ago. A man of steadfast faith, Steven was a dedicated member of the Motor City Church, formerly Zion Christian Church, in Troy, where he served as a lay pastor. His deep knowledge of scripture and passion for evangelism led him to teach Bible study and guide many souls toward the light of Christ. Most recently, Steven served as an interim pastor at the Gratiot Park Methodist Church in Port Huron. His commitment to the Lord's work was a testament to his strong faith and love for his community.
On February 4, 1978, Steven married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Ruth Hudson, in a ceremony officiated by her father at the Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Steven was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He believed in the importance of a strong, supportive home, ensuring that Cynthia could stay home to raise their children during their early years.
Steven's life was marked by his love for family, his infectious sense of humor, and his passion for God's creation. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, sharing in their joy and laughter. He was an avid lover of cruises, nature's beauty, and the simple pleasures of life, such as cooking meals for his loved ones and caring for his pets. One fond memory his family will always treasure was during a family vacation when Steven, captivated by an episode on Animal Planet, insisted on waiting to see a hippo give birth before they could start their day. From then on, "The hippo has given birth" became a lighthearted family phrase, signaling it was time to move on.
Now, the hippo has given birth, and it was time for Steven to move on to his eternal rest with the Lord.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Cynthia Mitchell; his children, Jeremiah (Amy) Mitchell, Sarah (Rod) Strang, and Matthew (Ariana) Mitchell; and his treasured grandchildren, Jase Mitchell, Jordan Mitchell, Emery Mitchell, and one grandchild soon to be born, Jovie Mitchell. He is also survived by his father, Kenneth Mitchell; his siblings, Renee Baker and Jeffrey Mitchell; his brothers-in-law, Dellis (Maggie) Hudson Jr., Marshall (Cindy) Hudson, and Philip (Tina) Hudson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will dearly miss his presence.
Steven is preceded in death by his loving mother, Ellen Juanita Mitchell, and his parents-in-law, Rev. Dellis Sr. and Melva Hudson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Gramer Funeral Home, Diener Chapel, located at 48271 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI 48317; (586) 731-4150. A funeral service will take place at Motor City Church, 3668 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 524-2400 on at 11:00 AM, in-state at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 31, 2024.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
As we gather to honor and remember the life of our beloved Steve Mitchell, we are reminded of the impact that he had on all of us. Steve was passionate about seeing others come to faith in Jesus Christ.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to Integrity International in Steve's honor. Your contribution will help Integrity provide clean drinking water, and especially Living Water, in Jesus' name, to needy communities, honoring Steve's life of committed service to family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.
To make a donation, please visit www.integrityint.org/donate or contact family members for more details.
Thank you for your generosity and support during this time.
With gratitude,
The Mitchell Family
Integrity International is a 501c3 non-profit. The President is our family friend David Lomasney Sr. All donations will go directly towards providing clean water and an opportunity to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Steven Duane Mitchell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
