Dorothy Orieta Mitchell

Orieta Mitchell, 93, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Bailey Family Center for Caring.

Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, Orieta lived a life defined by love, devotion to family, creativity, and kindness. Following high school, she married the love of her life, Manley Mitchell, and began a journey that would take them across the country during his service in the U.S. Navy in Washington and California. After his military career, the couple returned to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Manley completed his college degree. With two young children and later a third, they settled in Jackson, Mississippi, where Manley worked for J.C. Penney while Orieta lovingly managed the household and cared for her growing family.

Over the years, the family relocated several times throughout Florida before settling in Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1980. It was there that Orieta truly flourished. She embraced the beauty of the changing seasons, became an active member of the local Embroiderers’ Guild, participated in square dancing groups, and worshiped faithfully at First Baptist Church of Kingsport. But her favorite past time was playing marbles with her dear friends known as the “marble group”.

Orieta was known for her warm heart and remarkable talents. She took immense pride in her handiwork and was an exceptionally skilled seamstress and embroiderer. With loving attention to detail, she made clothing for her daughters, as well as countless outfits for baby dolls and Barbie dolls that brought joy to her children and grandchildren. Her creativity, patience, and craftsmanship were evident in everything she made.

She was also a wonderful cook whose kitchen was a gathering place for family and friends. Her homemade chocolate pies, fried pies, hot chocolate mix, biscuits, and Sunday roast beef dinners became cherished family traditions and lasting memories. Together, Orieta and Manley traveled often to FL to visit grandchildren and extensively throughout the United States in their RV, forming lifelong friendships wherever they went.

After the loss of her husband, Orieta returned to Florida to be closer to her daughter and family. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren creating lasting memories. She especially enjoyed dining out and rarely passed up an opportunity to order her favorite fried shrimpdinner.

Orieta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Manley Mitchell; her parents; and her two brothers.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Henkel (Tom) of St. Augustine, Florida, and Nancy Klawinski (Bruce) of Orlando, Florida; her son, Robert Mitchell (Sue) of Apollo Beach, Florida; seven grandchildren, April Nicks, Brandon Hasty, Melanie Judge, Robin Angarita, Ryan Connor, Kevin Connor, and Jacob Staten; and ten great-grandchildren and many precious friends.

Orieta will be remembered for her loving spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, generous heart, and the countless beautiful things she created with her hands. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the many lives she touched through her kindness, creativity, and grace.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, 423-247-4122.

Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Orieta Mitchell.