LILLIAN NELSON MITCHEM

Mrs. Lillian Nelson Mitchen, age 94 of DeFuniak Springs passed away Friday at the family residence.     She was born September 8, 1926 in the Alaqua Community, the daughter of  Joe and Mary Grace Infinger Nelson.  She married James Edward “Pete” Mitchem on July 9, 1947, a marriage that spanned some seventy one years until his death in November of 2018.  Lillian and her family are members of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church even though failing health has prevented regular attendance.   Lillian loved working in her yards, planting flowers and gardening.  She also was an avid fan of game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Known far and wide as a genuine Southern Cook, her tomato gravy and Southern fried chicken were always family favorites.   She is predeceased by her mother and father, her husband, her daughter Becky Lavern Skipper, her brothers Howard, Clary, Kenny and her sister Cora Lee Mitchem.

Among survivors are her children,  Lonnie Nelson and wife Sandra, Tommy  “Tuffy”  Mitchem, Sr.  and wife Donna and Robert “Tinker” Mitchem.  Her grandchildren, Jennifer Chisholm and husband Jerry, Susan Menser, Tommy Mitchem, Jr. and Grace Nelson  Her great grandchildren, Connor, Michael, Mandy, Dustin, Deanna, Hunter, Wolfie, Blaze  and Saphie.   Her great great grandson, Elijah.  Her sister Betty Crim and special cousins, Effie Hall and Marie Rhodes.

Floral arrangements are being accepted.  Graveside services will be held Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Phil McMillian officiating.    Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com