Malissa Jean Carnes Mitchell age 103, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on October 4, 1920, in Palestine, Arkansas to Lebron and Mattie Willis Carnes.
Malissa spent her childhood in Arkansas and Madison, Illinois. She graduated from Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a proud member of their alumni association. In 1940 she married Andrew Lonnie Mitchell (now deceased), they had one child.
She taught at Brinkley Academy, an African American boarding school, before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 1945. She worked as a residential social worker at Pruitt Igoe housing and in 1968 she began working for the Missouri Dept of Social Services- Division of Aging where she retired in 1988.
Malissa was grounded in her faith and had been a member of Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 75 years. She was also a loyal supporter of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA for over 63 years. Malissa was selfless and gave her time and support generously to many organizations. She was a lover of the creative arts, travel and, most of all, her family.
Malissa was a deeply spiritual woman who shared God’s love with others. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and was loved and admired by many. Malissa loved being with her family and celebrating any opportunity to showcase her amazing talents in the kitchen. Malissa’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories she shared and the memories of those who had the opportunity to know her.
Malissa was preceded in death by her parents, Lebron Carnes and Mattie Carnes; brothers: George Carnes and Lebron Scott Carnes, grandson: Mark Anthony Robinson, and great great grandson: Tristan Michael Robinson. Malissa is survived by her beloved daughter Marilyn Elizabeth Alston (Alfred); her grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Edward Charles Robinson , Michele’ Denise Rodriguez, and Malissa Jean Alston; her great granddaughters: Maya Michele’ Rodriguez, Melanie Caroline Robinson, Marlena Myelle Rodriguez, and Dr. Marissa Belle Robinson; her great great granddaughter: Mila Myelle Rodriguez; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Malissa’s entire family would like thank to her care team at Compassion Care for their tireless help, support, understanding, prayers, and love. We will never forget all that you’ve done.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
