Rita Leonard Mitchell

Rita Leonard Mitchell, 96, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, in Biloxi, Mississippi. A lifelong resident of Biloxi, Rita was known for her warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was adoringly known to many as “Mema.”

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Audrey Mitchell; her parents, Oliver and Virginia Leonard; and her sisters, Lucille Hebert and Nadia Leonard.

She is survived by her son, Joe (Joy) Mitchell; daughter, Lisa (Johnny) Seymour; nine grandchildren: Danica (Brett) Bogard, Brett (Michele) Mitchell, Jennifer (Chad) Fazzio, Katie (Stephen) Smith, Natalie Seymour, Shelby (Hikie) Robertson, Jarred (Lindsay) Mitchell, Levi Seymour, and Austin Seymour; and 15 great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Deaconess Health for their compassionate care during Rita’s final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Biloxi. Friends are invited to visit from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mitchell family.