Hey y’all, my mama’s 90th birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I’d like to ask a favor from you.
I’d love to be able to present her with 90 birthday greetings at the reception my sis and I are throwing for her in my home, just to lavish some well deserved love on this tiny dynamo.
She has spent her entire life serving others, first as a teacher for 30 years, then in retirement as a community volunteer, helping clean roadways of trash for decades, providing hundreds of meals to bereaved and hurting families after the loss of a loved one or during illness, and even now, faithfully preparing lunches every week for Meals on Wheels.
Everyone who has ever met her claims to have been uplifted by Adele Mitchell’s cheer and ever-present smile. She influenced many lives over the years and was treated as a celebrity in the small town where I was raised.
In fact, I was known only as “Mrs. Mitchell’s daughter” my entire life until I went away to college. I doubt many of the fine folks in Bradford County know my name even today. If you were to hand them a Debora M. Coty Too Blessed to be Stressed book, they’d be deer in headlights. But if you were to say, “Did you know Mrs. Mitchell’s daughter turned into a writer?” they’d be right on the same page with you.
Mama and Daddy were (and still are) strong believers and led both my sister and me to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior at a young age. I have clear memories of – and patterned the way I raised my kids after – our family Bible story and prayer times every night before bed.
I can never thank this woman enough for pouring her life into mine … and countless others.
So if you would be kind enough to help me honor her on this milestone birthday, please send me (either respond to this post or reply via Facebook or the contact page at my website DeboraCoty.com) a brief birthday greeting or perhaps a bit of encouragement as Mama turns the page to this final decade of her life here on Earth.
I would be most grateful. I will collect them and compile them into a lovely little booklet to surprise her with.
And I can guarantee you she will be thrilled. 
Many thanks,
Deb
*Guess what??? My newest giveaway, called “Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.” will be posted later today on my website, DeboraCoty.com; just click on “Freebies” and look for the contest. Celebrate Thanksgiving with me with 7 Days of Giving Thanks.
**Gonna be sharing some exciting news with you in my upcoming e-newsletter, so if you’re not already receiving it, please do sign up (it’s FREE!) at my website. Hugs!
Congratulations Mrs Mitchell on your 90th birthday !
May God continue to richly bless you.
Carol Walker
Deb,
What a great way to honor your wonderful Mama! We did this for my Great-Aunt and she loved reading every card and birthday wish!! I will send a card in the mail to you for her special day!! How blessed you are to have both of your parents!!
Your Aunt Pauline’s obvious delight at the outpouring of birthday love was what gave me the idea to do the same for Mama! All credit for the great idea goes to you, my dear!
I had Mrs. Mitchell as a teacher at BMS in the early ’70s and never forgot her and what a sweet and wonderful person she is. Here’s to wishing her a wonderful 90th birthday! ??
I have always loved Adele Mitchell. She taught me health at BMS. I remember her encouragement, her vitality and her positive spirit. I was always a shy student and she was so positive and encouraging.
Cindy Canova
Birthday Blessings to you Mrs. Mitchell on your 90th Birthday!! So thankful to have had you as my Health teacher in middle school and PE teacher in High School. You have made such an impact on numerous young people and I’m proud to be among the many. Wishing you a Birthday filled with Love, Laughter and Happiness.
Love,
Pam Rayburn Queen
Adele is a very dear, special friend. David and I have known her many years during our school related years and as a loving servant at First Baptist Church where we worshiped together. She will always hold a special place in our heart. We love you, Del and wish you a very Happy 90th Birthday!!! ??????
To Mr. Frank’s Wife, Debora’s and Cindy’s Mother, Cricket’s Grandmother, and other very Special Family Members,
I am honored to wish Mrs. Adele Mitchell an exciting and fabulous “90” Birthday! If I do the math-that’s 32,850 days of a life that’s been To Blessed to Be Stressed! And it’s 4’680 weeks of God’s Amazing Grace, and 1,080 months of Living a Purpose Driven Life! How are you Not Tired?
My name is June (Jarvis) Lee. I was privileged that you were my PE Instructor a couple of times while in the Bradford Co. School system. You were such an inspiring and encouraging role model for students ( especially young ladies). Heartfelt thanks for your positive influence as we were trying to find our place in the world. Thank you Mrs. Mitchell. Celebrate with Gusto!
Joshua 24:15. NIV
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
I love you, Mama, more than you could ever know!!! Thank you for always being my mom, best friend, confident, and trusty advisor for my entire life. Happy, happy 90th sweet thang!!??????
I am a friend of Sandi deLaski we started a book club some years ago and one of your books was our selections. You are truly Blessed to still have your mom and I am sure she will she will have a God Blessed BD. I did meet her and your Dad very briefly at Carraba’s restaurant very briefly.
Wow!! Happy Birthday Mrs. Mitchell, I’ve always loved you?? Such a sweet and caring young lady! No way you look or act 90. You have had a blessed life, how awesome is that! Love your whole family too!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more?????
Happy birthday Mrs. Mitchell,
I had the privilege to room with Deb at college. I never got to spend time with you, but I could tell she came from a Christian loving home. You raised both of your girls to be fine Christian women. I know you set the example. Happy birthday to you.
Carolyn Law
Happy Birthday Mrs. Mitchell…May God Bless You ..
Sweet Blessings,
Carol
As one of my many “Mothers”, growing up in our sweet, small town, I will always have fond memories of spending time in your home as a young girl (playing for hours with horses :D) ~ and your patience with two, very excitable youngins! May the sun kiss your face for years to come ~ know that you are loved!!
Latain
Happy birthday Mrs Michell!! We love your little laugh and spunk! You are truly an inspiration to everyone!!
Love you,
Lynn Pierce Godwin and Jay Godwin
George and Gladys pierce
Happy birthday, Mrs. Mitchell! Whenever I passed you on some gallivant through our Green Acres neighborhood, I remember always being met with your warm smile and a friendly conversation. I pray the years ahead are filled with the same for you. God’s blessings to you! – Briar Patray Parmer
WOW! Your are 90 now! You were 51 when I met you in 1979, as a coworker at BMS. You don’t seem any older than you were then! You taught my children & son-in-law, as well as many other youth in Bradford County. You have touched many lives, as a fine Christian, Southern lady who as a role model, impressed & impacted others in a positive way. Thank you for being so kind to my dear mother; she thought the world of you, loved you, & treasured your friendship; just wished she had listened to you! Love you, Adele, & thank God for creating such a beautiful life to share with us on this earth.
Patti & Don Priest
Christa & Jeremy Crawford
Bethany & Kyle Anderson
Birthday greetings from New Zealand, Mrs Mitchell. Your influence has spread far through your daughter Deb. Thank you for the love you have invested in her and others, and the wisdom and support from you that has been spread far and wide through her. May you continue to enjoy God’s blessings in these autumn years.
R? wh?nau ki a koe!
Ng? mihi nui
Susan
Too cool, Susan – thanks for taking the time to send this; Mama doesn’t know anyone in New Zealand and this will tickle her pink. Could you please tell me the translation for the last two lines?
Kia ora (Hello) Deb.
I’m sorry the accented letters didn’t display properly. The translations are … ‘Ra whanau ki a koe’ means ‘Happy birthday to you’
‘ Nga mihi nui’ in this context means ‘Thank you very much’
: )
Susan
Totally cool. Thanks so much, Susan.
Happy 90th birthday Ms. Adele. You are and continue to be such a positive, loving and caring soul. The good times you showed to mom and me at the beach one summer brings me joyful memories. We love you and Mr. Frank and so glad that God let you both cross our paths in this life. God bless you and enjoy your day. Love ya.
Happy Birthday Adele!
Sending warm wishes from New Hampshire for blessings of good health and much love and happiness as you celebrate your 90th!!! May God keep you in the palm of his hand and surround you with his peace and love as you continue on your journey with him.
Love Deb C
Dear Mrs. Adele,
You are one of the sweetest and most cheerful ladies I have ever met. Your love for Jesus is so evident and it has had such a positive and lasting impact on every member of your family. Your family is amazing and I know that is a reflection of your dedication to them and to the Lord. Happy 90th birthday and prayers for many more happy, healthy years!
Love,
Jen Urbano
Mrs Mitchell
Happy 90th birthday hope you will have a wonderful and blessed birthday. I was in you PE class in 1962-1964 you had a positive inpact on my life and all your girls that you taught at BHS. When you came to our 50th Class Reunion it was so nice to see you looking like you did when you taught me in the by high school years, you haven’t change none in all those years. I would love. I will always remember the days that it rain and we were had to stay in the Gym, we would dance and play basketball or tried to play I was never good at that sports I loved softball. Hope you have a good Birthday
Mrs. Mitchell,
Happy Birthday, Lillie and me hope you have a Blessed Day, we think about you and Mr. Frank all the time, we miss seeing you at church and one day when we retire for good, we are gonna surprise you and Mr. Frank and come and see y’all. We Love You ????and miss you both, don’t be too mean to Mr. Frank, ha!ha! Once Again Happy Birthday!!????????
Del—a very happy birthday to you. As all these accolades show, you were the best teacher/advisor/friend that most of us ever had. I had you first in 8th grade history, then cheerleading sponsor and then all around friend and advisor for the last 53 years. You served your community and your church, and you’re still doing all that. Were it not for you, I would not be the person that I am today. I think of you frequently. When I face a tough issue, I often think—“what would Del do?” Best wishes!
Much love, Marla
Dear Mrs. Mitchell
It’s your birthday! Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad! Psalm 96:11.
The BHS Class of 1965 is extremely glad and lucky to have had the privilege of you being our Coach, Teacher and most of all, a friend and mentor to so many of us.
I remember when you tried to teach me how to do a basketball layup! I was hilarious! You told me to in such a gracious way that I needed to stick to piano playing and baton twirling. I think you recognize very early on that I was not very athletic….but you let me down easy with encouraging words to stay with music!
Thank you for supporting our class during high school, but most importantly, after our high school years. You made every effort to attend our reunions and always said that the Class of 1965 was your favorite. Well…you are still our favorite and all of us love you and wish we could celebrate this milestone birthday with you and your family. I bet it will be lots of fun and laughter.
Thank you Mrs. Mitchell for being such an inspiration to me and for being the wonderful Christian that you are. Your faith, hope and love shines on your face.
Looking forward to seeing you at our 55th Class Reunion! And Mr. Mitchell too!
In Gods love and friendship
JoAnn Scott Diddell
Happy 90th birthday to the I looked to as a second mother. When Mama had to go back to work and I was so young you always welcomed me into your home. I fondly remember all the summers, Greyhound bus trips, and the wonderful memories that you helped to create. You all treated me as if I belonged there and I will always treasue that. Still, to this day, when I am feeling down or lonely I know you are only a phone call away. I love you today and every day with all my heart!
Love always,
Cathy
aka “the baby”
Thanks, Cathy. She’ll love this. We’ve heard from most of the relatives except any of the Manly’s; I’m afraid I don’t have their updated edresses. If you have any of them, would you mind shooting them a message and asking for a note or two ASAP (need them within 3 days). Thanks!