[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF VERNIL MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JASMINE CROCKETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2025

  Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Vernil 
Mitchell, a beloved nurse, philanthropist, wife, mother and constituent 
of the Texas' 30th District who poured love and joy into her family and 
her community. Born January 19, 1940, in Ashdown, Arkansas, Vernil was 
the oldest of thirteen children born to Prince Richard and Leatice 
Allen Richard. Her earthly journey ended January 20, 2025, in Dallas, 
the day after her 85th birthday. She spent much of her younger life 
with her Uncle Elbert and Aunt Ruth Bradley, and their six children.
  From modest beginnings in southeast Arkansas, Vernil developed a 
strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to family. She broke new 
ground as the first in her family to go to college, enrolling at North 
Texas State College, known today as the University of North Texas, to 
pursue a degree in nursing. While attending Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 
she met Charles Mitchell in Sunday school--a chance encounter that 
blossomed into a lifelong love. The couple welcomed their first child, 
Charles Jr., before moving to Washington D.C., where their second son, 
Keith, soon joined the family.
  Vernil's career in nursing spanned over 40 years, serving as a 
Licensed Vocational Nurse in Washington, D.C., a visiting nurse with 
the Visiting Nurses Association in the Bronx, New York City, and 
helping her husband Charles open his own medical practice. Charles was 
one of Dallas' first black orthopedic surgeons, and Vernil served as 
the primary nurse in his orthopedic practice. They had a shared passion 
for travel, the arts, tennis, skiing, gardening, cooking and most 
importantly being with family.
  Mrs. Mitchell's caring nature went beyond her patients. She worked 
tirelessly to support the next generation of African American leaders. 
In Dallas, Vernil supported numerous charitable activities and was 
incredibly active in the community. She was a charter member of the 
Dallas chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., and was an active 
member of the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was 
an active member of Friendship-West Baptist Church.
  We ought to look to Vernil's commitment to uplifting others as a true 
example of devotion to service. Mr. Speaker, I send my sincerest 
condolences to her family, her friends, her former colleagues, and the 
entire Oak Cliff community. May her legacy live on through the people 
she loved.

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