Carolyn Jean Mitchell

Carolyn Jean Williams-Mitchell, “Beany,” was born on March 8, 1946, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late John S. Williams, Sr. and Allie Mae Fowler.

Carolyn was educated in the Benton Harbor Area School District and graduated from high school in 1965.   Carolyn was well known in her school by peers and staff.  She served as an elite and talented cheerleader.  Carolyn continued to be known in the community as an adult and was crowned “Miss NAACP” in the 1960s, as she was admired by so many. To know “Beany” was to love her – dancing, laughing and being the life of the party!

Carolyn devoted several years of service as a Postal Clerk with the United States Postal Service. She retired in the early 2000s, choosing to spend more time with her grandchildren, whom she cherished immensely.

Carolyn enjoyed dressing in style, shopping, and cooking for her grandchildren. She also found joy in watching science fiction movies, playing solitaire, completing jigsaw puzzles, bingo games and attending church. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John Scott Williams, Sr. (Mary) and Allie Mae Fowler Richardson (Orville), life partner, Ronald Davis, four sisters, Katie Williams, Doris Howard, Jacqueline Richardson Williams, and Betty Marshall; three brothers, John S. Williams, Jr., Lester Williams, Ronald Williams, and bonus son, Mark Grice (Marky).

Carolyn transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on December 24,2025 and will be sorely missed by those who are here to keep her story alive; two children,  Joseph Mitchell (Joey) of Chicago, Illinois, and Licia Mitchell (Nicky) of Detroit, Michigan; grandchildren, Shana, Jacoey, Zaiyah, Ariel, Austin, Jalen, and Serenity (KoKo); great-grandchildren, Kamahria, Kynzie, and Ziyana; three siblings, Renee Davis (Anthony) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Anthony Richardson (Shirley) of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Curtis Williams of Texas; bonus children, Kimette Grice (Kimey), Tracey Grice, and Rhonda Wright; special cousin, Tina McBride-Davis, best friend, Louise Singleton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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