Dorothy Ann Mitchell, affectionately called, "Nanny" by her family, was born on October 6, 1932, to Judge and Ida Mae Washington Jackson in Jackson County, Georgia.

Dorothy was one of two girls out of six children. Her sister, Wilson, passed away at the young age of three so Dorothy grew up the only girl. Additionally, her mother passed when Dorothy was only 8 years old. Her father raised all the children with a firm but loving hand. He taught them about hard work and perseverance which she exhibited throughout her life. During her childhood, she and her brothers worked on the family farm. Therefore, she had to miss school often as that was their family business and way of life. As a result, she finished school in the 6th grade. However, demonstrating the values handed down by her father, she went back to school as an adult. After turning 18, Dorothy left home to start her adult life and shortly thereafter she met Edward Mitchell. Then when she was 20 years old Elsie Mae was added to their union July 14, 1953, in Gainesville, GA. The new family moved to Atlanta, GA when Elsie was a teenager. While in Atlanta, Dorothy worked the steam press at a uniform dry cleaners and did domestic work until her late 70s.

Always an active church member, Dorothy, and Edward joined Smith Chapel AME Church and later Greater Saint Peter AME Church. At Saint Peter, Dorothy was active in the choir, the pastor’s aid board, missionary board, trustee board and her most cherished position of a stewardess. She served as vice president and president of the stewardess board. She took that role very seriously and passed down her knowledge and duties associated with this position to her niece Cheryl Johnson, who currently serves at her church, and her granddaughters, Tambria Peeples, Brittany Gresham, and Tyla Gresham. Dorothy was also president of the board at Greater Saint Peter at River’s Edge AME and was a well-loved and active member at Turner Monumental AME Church.

She passed away on January 27, 2018, in her home surrounded by family. She leaves to cherish her memory: 9 daughters and 3 sons 43 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, mother, and father; brothers Conway, Columbus, Ollie B., Lenton; and her sister.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! Matthew 25:23