Nancy Briggs Mitchell

Nancy Briggs Mitchell, 88, beloved wife of Donald LeRoy Mitchell, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024 after a long illness. 

Nancy Mitchell was born on September 5, 1936. She was the daughter of Luther Stewart Briggs and Lena Schmidt Briggs of Bethesda, Maryland, now deceased. Of her three siblings, she was predeceased by sister Joanne Ward and brother Frederick Briggs and survived by her youngest brother, Luther Stewart Briggs, Jr.

She lived in Bethesda, Maryland as a child and attended Holton Arms School until her graduation in 1954.  She continued her education at George Washington University where she received a degree in Elementary Education.

After graduation, she taught in the Montgomery County Public School System. During this time, she met the love of her life, Donald LeRoy Mitchell. They wed on Valentine’s Day, on February 14, 1964, and had two daughters, Susan Perdomo and Shari Haddaway.

Later, she taught first grade at Glenelg Country School from 1974 to 1995. Upon her retirement, she was honored by the school with a special day dedicated to her, "Mrs. Mitchell Day," upon which she was paraded around campus with the principal in a golf cart and received a visit from the school’s dragon mascot. Many families continued to stay in touch with her throughout the years, long after her retirement, due to the long lasting impression that she made in teaching their children.

Nancy Mitchell was especially proud of her family's prominent meat and ice cream businesses, founded by her father and uncle in the 20’s, in the Washington, DC area. Briggs and Company was sole purveyor of hotdogs at Griffith Stadium, where the Washington Senators first played. The family also owned season tickets for many years to the Redskins games, where the "Briggs' Pigs" slogan was displayed at the games and Briggs hot dogs were a fan favorite. She loved Briggs ice cream, and even after the ice cream business was liquidated years prior, she would have ice cream almost every night for dessert. 

Nancy Mitchell enjoyed spending time with her husband in their family beach homes in Lewes, Delaware and eventually in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Also, she enjoyed reading, researching her family's genealogy, crocheting blankets, engaging in various sewing projects, and attending church. 

She was always proud of her children and their families, and loved to share with others what was happening in their lives. She had an especially warm heart for children. Even during her last days, she would beam with joy when hearing about her former students or her only great-grandchild.

Nancy Mitchell is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Donald LeRoy Mitchell; daughters Susan Perdomo and Shari Haddaway (Todd); grandchildren Mark Perdomo, A.J. Perdomo, Rebecca Haddaway, and Michael Haddaway; and great-grandchild, Luna Perdomo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the scholarship fund for Glenelg Country School or a charity of your choice.

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