Matthew Gavin Mitchell, age 23, from Davidson, NC went to his Heavenly home on 11/7/2020.  He spent the past five years residing in Reidsville, NC where he volunteered with Rockingham County Animal Shelter and Meals on Wheels.  He was loved fiercely by his family and everyone who knew him.  Matthew was resilient, determined, loved his people and life.  Everyone loved Matthew and his offbeat sense of humor and the way he connected with them.  He loved our visits and FaceTime calls with his family. He also loved nice cars, all kinds of music, and for years collected cell phones and smart phones.  He was always with the latest iPhone, yet often switching back and forth between several other models.  We are forever grateful for our time with Matthew.  He taught us so much about the important things in life.  We will miss his smile.  We are thankful for the love and joy he brought.  He always gave his all and we are super proud of his life.  Well done Matthew!

Left behind to cherish his wonderful memory are his parents John and Sharon Mitchell, and his brother and sister, John William Mitchell, Jr. and Elizabeth Mitchell of Davidson, NC.

Grandparents: Diann Bennett of Lawsonville, NC; Wayne and Anita Mitchell of Collinstown, NC; Junior and Debbie Bennett of Danbury, NC.

Aunts, Uncles and Cousins: Bradley and Sheila Nance of Eden, NC; Will and Cayce Nance, Mary Grace, Bennett, and Anderson Nance; Jon and Julie Slate of Collinstown, NC and their children Jonah and Jarrett Slate; Robert and Jessie Mitchell of Winston Salem, NC and their children Elsa, Truman, Fletcher, and Archer.  

We offer a special thank you to the wonderful staff and residents at Rouse’s Group Home who loved and supported Matthew these past five years.  We will continue to think of you as family.

We will plan a celebration of Matthew’s life once it is safe to gather all the many people who loved him.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Matthew’s memory to:

Rouse’s Group Home II Inc. c/o Matthew Mitchell Memorial Fund

Mitzi Bradshaw  Office Manager

123 E. Murphy Street

Madison, NC  27025

336-613-0352

A Better Place for Matthew

Perhaps those words ring with more truth in a year that will forever be associated with a deadly virus. For me, those words are my only way of dealing with the loss my family and I suffered yesterday.  Our dear son Matthew, who was only 23, died suddenly and unexpectedly while tidying up his room. Our hearts are aching while at the same time, every memory of him brings smiles.

Matthew was a very special son.  There was never a dull moment with Matthew.  He found humor in things that most would overlook. He sang out loud to his favorite songs with his ear buds sticking out like antenna. Out of the blue he would quote from his favorite comedy movies and his offbeat humor was like having our own "Will Farrell" in the family.  He took interest in people and had a way to connecting with everyone he met. He always asked and remembered their name (and what kind of car they drove!) He was filled with little sayings that made people laugh.  He never complained about anything and it seemed like no matter what our plans were for the day, he would be ready to go and turn even a routine errand into an adventure.  Matthew's curiosity was unending. He would ask really hard questions and most answers were followed with the even harder question "why?"  I guess that's my question right now.  The only answer I can find is that "he is in a better place."

I'm thankful for my faith. God has provided my family with grace and peace over the last 24 hours. Keep us in your prayers that that peace will continue as we go forward in this world without Matthew.