Sibyl Mitchell

Sibyl Harrison Mitchell entered this world on February 1, 1920. She left it on May 15, 2015. Born near Devol, OK, to parents Stafford Marshall Harrison and Elizabeth Wilkerson Harrison, the second of four kids. Raised in West Texas, she was a tough, self-reliant and hard working farm girl. Her family struggled through the depression, staying on the farm. Her baby sister died of diphtheria. In 1936, Sibyl married Charlie Preston Mitchell. When the war came, C.P. went to serve, while Sibyl got a degree at West Texas State in Canyon, TX, and began teaching. In the early 1950’s she and C.P. earned Master’s degrees at UI in Bloomington, Indiana. Sibyl, Preston and son Paul moved to Farmington in 1955 and then to Albuquerque in 1957 when APS hired Preston to help start and be the first director of their new television station, KNME. Sibyl began teaching 5th grade at Montgomery Elementary and stayed there for 22 years. She liked to paint, garden and was a prolific seamstress, making most of her clothes, sewing drapes for the house and reupholstering furniture. She played golf and bridge, played the piano and sang. In 1987 Preston died and Sibyl spent her time attending Elderhostels in states she wanted to explore and traveling all over the world with tour groups. Sibyl was active in Delta Kappa Gamma and Central United Methodist church. She enjoyed going to local theater productions and the Albuquerque Symphony. Writing and receiving many letters, she stayed in touch with friends and former students. Whatever she did, education (her own and others) remained a priority throughout her life. Sibyl is survived by her son, Paul and wife Marsha; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Mack Mitchell and wife Sara who visited and assisted her often in her final years. Her family was extended by the many students whose lives she touched as exemplified by a recent letter from a published scholar who wrote, “I just want to tell you how much you are on my mind and heart ….You played a big role in my love of literature, a love that has continued throughout my life. I thank you for that!” A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd NE. Scholarship contributions may be made to Alpha Iota/Delta Kappa Gamma c/o Diane Bonnell, 8239 Raintree Dr. NE, Albuq., NM 87122-1331.

Sibyl Mitchell

February 1, 1920 - May 15, 2015