Aubrey Eugene Mitchell
86, McComb
Aubrey Eugene Mitchell, 86, of McComb, passed away after a lengthy illness, peacefully at Aston Court on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, with loved ones at his side. Services were held on Friday, Jan. 3, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Rosary began at 9:30 a.m., visitation was at 10 a.m. and the Mass celebrating his life at 10:30 a.m. A dinner reception followed in Liguori Hall immediately after Mass. A graveside service and burial were held at 2 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery. Following the burial, further visitation for family and friends was held at the First United Methodist Church's Wesley Center. 
Aubrey, the younger son of Reese Hayes and Bernice Steele Mitchell, was born on July 5, 1938, in Columbia. He graduated from Columbia High School in May of 1957. He excelled in band as a drummer and received the band award for both his junior and senior years. He attended Pearl River Junior College for two years on a band scholarship. After graduating from PRC, he worked at a local tire company, becoming supervisor of their retread operation. He married Carrie Fae Anderson in 1960 and they had two children, Audrey Fae and Gregory Eugene. While driving around USM campus one day, he stopped in front of the psychology building and knew in his heart he needed to go to school and study psychology. He continued to work during the day and go to school at night until his health prevented him from doing both. He began working at Columbia Training School in 1972 as an intern from the psychology department from USM.
He was always thankful for mentors at USM and those in positions of influence in the Department of Youth Services who saw and appreciated his work and dedication. After attaining his master's degree, he was promoted to counselor. He and his family moved to the Columbia Training School Campus and became a part of the CTS family. He continued to excel and was promoted to Chief Counselor. The students loved and respected him because of his fairness, consistency and true concern for their safety and success when they returned home. Since he had worked in almost every area of the school, he knew the policies and procedures of every part of the school. He was promoted to assistant superintendent. In 1989, he married Mary Anne Simmons, a counselor at CTS and thereby acquired two stepdaughters, Dawn and Lara Rinkle. He became superintendent of Columbia Training School in 1991. After several changes in policies at the school, he decided to retire on the 31st of December in 1994. He touched the lives of thousands of troubled youths from all over the State of Mississippi during his 25 years of working at Columbia Training School. He has also positively influenced the lives of hundreds of those who were his employees at the Training School, whether for several years or a few. Many residents of Marion County had their first jobs at CTS. He and Mary Anne moved to Pike County in the summer of 1995 where he worked as a mental health counselor in the Walthall County School System until he retired in 2000. They built a retirement home near Holmesville and managed a tree farm on the Bogue Chitto River. They enjoyed dogs, horses and, most of all, visits from children and grandchildren through the years. They became members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in 2002 and have been active in various ministries. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and life member of Marion Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Graysen Matthew Mitchell.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Anne; children, Dr. Greg Mitchell (Tracy) and Audrey Fae Lee (Tim); stepdaughters, Dawn Rinkle and Lara Anderson (Tommy); 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; niece, Wanda Riley (Kenny); four great nephews; adopted brother, Samuel Reese (Chloe); and St. Alphonsus precious church family and special friends.
Many thanks to Aston Court administration and staff for their compassion and understanding of those in confusion and pain. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for their kindness. And thanks to Dr. Luke Lampton whom Aubrey had said kept him alive for the 25 years that we have lived in Pike County, and for his care, concern, laughter and refreshment. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Make A Wish Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
