Dorothy J. Mitchell

Dorothy Jean Perkins Mitchell the beautiful soul we all lovingly knew as “Dot” unexpectedly passed from this life on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Her passing reminds us that life is uncertain, but death is sure.

Dot was born in Camden, Arkansas on May 5, 1956. She was the daughter of Mildren Malone and John Morris Neal.

Shortly after her birth, she was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Pastor Edward Perkins and Mrs. Lucille Perkins. Dot was a shy and bashful little girl, traits that followed her into adulthood. She opened it to those whom she could trust and was pleasantly a joy to be around.

She gave her life to Christ at a tender age and was a member of St. James AME Church in Sparkman.

She rededicated her life to Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Dennis Juniel and united with Williams Temple COGIC. She busied herself with serving in the church and being a dedicated member. It was without a doubt that she knew Christ and Christ knew her, a true testament of her faith.

Dot was a 1974 graduate of Sparkman High School. Her greatest accomplishment in life was the birth of her only child, a daughter she named Lucinda. Dot was now a mother, and she adored her baby girl. Dot always kept Muffett dressed in pretty clothes and ponytails.

Dot was an independent woman and mother. She started a long career at Georgia Pacific which spanned almost 20 years when she retired. It was no secret that Dot and Muffett were best friends. Their bond became even closer with the birth of her grandson, Bacarre. He cherished his Granny and always wanted to be with her. Dot helped Troy and Muffett raise him to be a fine young man.

When she retired, she took advantage of all the benefits of retirement. In her spare time, she loved to shop and travel. She was a consistent client at both the beauty shop and nail shop. Dot took pride in her appearance and was always dressed to perfection with matching hair, nails and outfit.

Her hobbies included playing Bingo with her friends, attending blues concerts, especially TK Soul who was her favorite singer. Although church was not a hobby for her, it was a staple in her life.

Dot was a natural protector of her family and a fighter who could hold her ground. Dot meant what she said and said what she meant. Her sisters and closest friends knew her to be a true confidant and trusted sister. Her life experiences gave her the tools needed to give wise counsel and good advice.

Although her physical presence is no longer with us, her memory, her smile, and her laughter will live on in the hearts of her daughter and best friend, Lucinda “Muffett” and her son-in-law, Troy Thomas, along with her grandson, Bacarre Thomas; a special friend, Edward “Buck” Henry; her sisters, Emma (Mark) Briggs of Camden, AR, Marilyn Goodwin of Grand Prairie, TX, Glennie Neal of Ypsilanti, MI, Joyce Neal of Houston, TX, and Ruth Neal of Little Rock, AR; her brothers, Bobby (Charlotte) Neal of Arkadelphia, AR, Otis (Crystal) Perkins of Saginaw, MI, Jean Albert Hughes of Saginaw, MI, and Ray Charles Delamar of Chidester, AR; an uncle, Albert (Gracie) Neal of Arkadelphia, AR, an aunt, Ethel Kuykendall of Oakland, CA; her close friends, Brenda Johnson, Audrey Braggs-Johnson, Zonder Hall, Yolanda McCloud, and Sherry Bonnet, several nieces, nephews, cousins, other friends and the Williams Temple COGIC family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildren Malone and John Morris Neal; her grandparents, Rev. Edward Perkins and Mrs. Lucille Perkins; her beloved granddaughter, Keyona Parham; a sister, Martha White and brothers, Johnny Neal and Wayne Neal.

To know Dot was to love her, although not perfect she strived every day to be an even better mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Memorial services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Williams Funeral Home with Superintendent Dennis Juniel, Eulogist, and Pastor Darryl Maxwell, Officiant.

The Repass will be held after the service at the Arkadelphia Enrichment Center.